Tsurezure （つれづれ）｜Uemura Shoen 上村松園（うえむらしょうえん） This elegant work, “Tsurezure,” is one of the representative bijin-ga by Uemura Shoen, a pioneering female artist who pursued the ultimate ideal of beauty defined by purity, dignity, and inner grace. Shoen famously sought to create images that were, in her own words, “completely free from vulgarity, possessing a clear and refined fragrance like a precious jewel.” In this composition, the seated woman is depicted with a quiet, introspective expression, gently absorbed in her own thoughts. Rather than portraying mere physical beauty, the artist captures a subtle psychological state — a sense of contemplation, solitude, and emotional depth embodied in the word “Tsurezure.” The refined color palette, graceful lines, and restrained composition exemplify Shoen’s mastery of bijin-ga, where outer beauty serves as a vessel for inner emotion and spiritual elegance. The work invites the viewer into a silent dialogue, evoking empathy and calm reflection. This is a limited edition silk screen print, numbered 144 out of 380, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a work that embodies the timeless aesthetics and philosophical depth of one of Japan’s most celebrated artists. --- Artist Profile 1875 Born in Kyoto, Japan 1887 Entered Kyoto Prefectural School of Painting 1900 Awarded the Silver Medal at the 9th Japan Art Association and Japan Art Institute Joint Exhibition; exhibited “Mother and Child” at the Paris Exposition Universelle 1916 Became a permanent non-juried artist at the Bunten Exhibition; received high international acclaim through overseas exhibitions 1948 Awarded the Order of Culture, becoming the first woman to receive this honor in Japan 1949 Passed away --- Accessories None --- Dimensions & Weight Image size approximately 58 × 63 cm Total size approximately 58 × 63 × 0.5 cm Weight approximately 115 g --- Technique & Condition Medium: Paper Technique: Silk screen print Edition: Limited edition, 144/380 Condition: Excellent --- Shipping Shipping via Japan Post EMS from Japan. Items are securely packed to ensure safe international delivery. Please note that I can ship only to countries where EMS delivery from Japan is available. For bidders in the United States: Please be aware that additional import duties or tariffs may be applied by U.S. Customs, and the amounts can be significantly high depending on the item and the current regulations. If you choose to place a bid, please do so with full understanding of the possible customs charges. Import duties, VAT, and customs handling fees are the sole responsibility of the buyer.