Complete silk bound album of 24 woodblock prints of “Bijin” by Gekko.- c1897

Complete album of 24 woodblock prints of “Bijin” by Gekko

”Comparison Between Beautiful Women and Flowers - Bijin Hana Kurabe - 美人花競

Ogata Gekko 尾形月耕 (1859-1920)

Published c1897 by Matsuki Heikichi

Oban tate format – Album 35 x 24cm

Complete album of 24 Oban Tate prints plus a title page and publisher’s page in an original silk binding. Pencil title to album cover.

This beautiful series compares beautiful women “Bijin” to flowers. It was printed to a high standard with vibrant colours and the use of bokashi, varied textures and mica printing. The 24 scenes show women in floral scenery with Irises, Cherry Blossoms, Orchids and Willow trees. Scenes are often homely and also include children, cats and dogs, and even a frog. Many scenes are set in traditional Japanese homes, formal gardens or with peaceful rural backdrops.

Gekko’s name “moonlight” reflects the ethereal and dreamlike format of his compositions. Growing up during the Meiji period he witnessed the rapid industrialisation and changes of Japan from its Samurai traditions, and he sought to reflect traditional Japanese life. His artistic style was influenced by Western composition theory and the technological advances in ink and printing techniques.