Matsuba Mark Obi Padding
Date
1920
Credits
- Kitano Tsunetomi 3 Designer
Format
- Poster 2856
- Advertisement 294
- Advertising 709
Clients
Techniques
- lithography 249
- illustration 394
- painting 115
- printing 1033
Locations Made
- Japan 682
This is a commercial poster for Matsuba Mark Obi Padding (松葉印 ゴム帯芯) for a kimono. Kitano is a well-known painter and print artist known for his refined bijinga (美人画), images of beautiful women. He was a key figure in the Nihonga (日本画/a traditional Japanese painting), and he brought the classical sensibilities of Nihonga painting into the world of modern commercial design.
The poster features a refined woman dressed in a traditional kimono, and her expression is calm and graceful, which shows hallmarks of Tsunetomi's bijinga style. Its flattered shading, delicate outlines, and composition focusing on elegance over realism reflect Nihonga's characteristics. The background is simple, which emphasizes the central figure.