Kasamatsu Shiro: Tea Ceremony 茶の湯

Artist: Kasamatsu Shiro (1898-1991)
Title: Tea Ceremony 茶の湯
Date: 1954

A young woman is shown conducting the formal tea ceremony, chanoyu. She is relaxed yet formal, going through the precise movements required for the ceremony. kneeling on the tatami mat and pouring hot water with the ladle. To her left we see the container for the tea as well as the whisk, while before her is a container of boiling water, its steam rising in a subtle way. She wears a tie-died shibori-patterned kimono decorated with scattered maple leaves, and her obi features a chrysanthemum design. Her attire hints that the season is probably autumn. This is a first edition published by Unsodo in 1954, with the Unsodo publisher’s marks in the left margin and the date of Showa 29 at bottom left. Due to the popularity of this design, it has been recently reprinted, perhaps even using the original blocks. This example is not a reprint, but an original example in pristine condition that was printed in the 1950s. There is blindprinting in the white of the kimono and the unfaded pink blush on her cheeks.

Condition: Excellent impression, color and condition.
Dimensions: 40 x 27.5 cm
Publisher: Unsôdô
Signature: Shiro Kasamatsu, signed in cursive Romaji in the block at bottom

SKU: SHR020