Ito Shinsui, Tea Ceremony (Shin hanga)

This work by Itō Shinsui, a leading figure in the shin-hanga movement, portrays a woman in kimono delicately holding a tea bowl. Shinsui was called master of bijinga. Created in the 1930s–40s, the print exemplifies the refined bijin-ga genre. The design uses traditional Japanese woodblock techniques, including layered pigment printing and subtle shading, while also incorporating modern realism through the figure’s hairstyle and expression. The composition relies on negative space and soft color tones to convey elegance and stillness. The minimal calligraphy — just the artist’s name and seal — reflects Japanese visual restraint and respect for balance. Though not graphic design in the commercial sense, this work highlights the fusion of traditional aesthetics with modern style, making it a key example of Japanese visual culture’s influence on contemporary design thinking.