August 10th, 2024

Happy Saturday! I hope everyone out there with crypto bags resisted the urge to jump out a window when everything crashed, thanks to the Bank of Japan bumping interest rates 0.25%. If you’re wondering what the hell that has to do with the US markets and how a laughably small interest rate hike could cascade across the whole world, I invite you to read this cast by former guest of the newsletter eirrann. He explains the ripple effects quite well.

The bottom line is there was a mass rotation out of risk assets (like crypto) that were funded by cheap yen borrowing. We’re seeing some recovery but the market definitely isn’t out of the woods yet. I haven’t been in crypto as long as some, but I’ve experienced multiple market melt downs and I feel safe with my strategy of holding for the long term. NFA, DYOR and all the disclaimers of course. Trust your own risk tolerance.

With the release of FLUX, I’ve been on another Japanese art kick. Japan has such a deep well of great artists to cover and I’m sure I’ll return many more times in the future as I seek to learn more. Glad you’re here for the ride 😀 

Artist Spotlight - Ito Shinsui (1898-1972)

Career

Ito Shinsui was born Ito Hajime on February 4, 1898, in Fukagawa, Tokyo, Japan. His early life was marked by the struggle and hardship typical of many artists of his time. Shinsui came from a poor family, and his formal education was limited. However, his artistic talent became evident at a young age, and he showed a strong inclination towards drawing and painting.

At the age of 12, he left school to become a student at the Tokyo Printing Company. This was a significant turning point in his life, as it provided him with exposure to the world of traditional Japanese woodblock printing. Recognizing his potential, he was taken under the wing of the renowned painter Kaburagi Kiyokata, a master of the bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women) genre. Kaburagi's influence was crucial in shaping Shinsui’s artistic style and philosophy.

In the early 20th century, Japan was undergoing a period of rapid modernization, which brought Western influences into various aspects of culture, including art. Amid this, the shin-hanga ("new prints") movement emerged as a response to the waning popularity of traditional ukiyo-e prints. Shin-hanga sought to revive and modernize the woodblock print by incorporating Western techniques such as realism and shading while maintaining the traditional Japanese aesthetic.

Ito Shinsui became one of the leading figures of this movement. His early works, such as “Before the Mirror” (1916), are considered masterpieces of shin-hanga and established him as a prominent artist. These works were characterized by their elegant portrayal of women, with an emphasis on grace, subtlety, and the refinement of traditional Japanese beauty. His ability to capture the softness and delicate features of his subjects made his prints highly desirable both in Japan and internationally.

Shinsui’s collaboration with the publisher Watanabe Shozaburo, a key figure in the shin-hanga movement, further boosted his career. Watanabe recognized Shinsui’s talent and helped promote his works to a global audience, particularly in the United States and Europe. This collaboration allowed him to focus on his art while Watanabe handled the production and distribution of his prints.

He was also known for his landscape prints, which reflected his deep appreciation for the natural beauty of Japan. His landscapes, such as those in the series "Twelve Views of Oshima" (1920) and "Collection of Modern Beauties" (1929-1931), were characterized by a lyrical quality, with an emphasis on the interplay of light and shadow. These works demonstrate his mastery of composition and his ability to convey a sense of atmosphere and mood.

During the 1930s and 1940s, Shinsui continued to produce high-quality prints and paintings, despite the challenges posed by the political and economic climate in Japan. His work remained popular, and he was highly regarded both in Japan and internationally.

After World War II, his reputation continued to grow, and he became recognized as one of the leading figures in the shin-hanga movement. His contributions to the revival of traditional Japanese woodblock printing were significant, and his work helped to ensure the survival and continued relevance of this art form in the modern era.

In 1952, Shinsui was designated a "Living National Treasure" by the Japanese government, an honor that recognized his outstanding contributions to Japanese art. He continued to create art until his death in 1972, leaving behind a legacy of exquisite prints that continue to be celebrated and admired.

Contributions to the Art World

Shinsui helped to rejuvenate the ukiyo-e tradition, bringing a fresh perspective to an art form that had been in decline. By focusing on subjects like bijin-ga (portraits of beautiful women) and landscapes, he played a pivotal role in the movement's success, ensuring that the shin-hanga prints would be appreciated both as art and as a continuation of Japan's rich cultural heritage.

He elevated bijin-ga’s traditional subject matter by infusing it with a modern sensibility, portraying women with a naturalism and elegance that resonated with contemporary audiences. His bijin-ga prints are characterized by their graceful compositions, delicate use of color, and meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of textiles and hairstyles. Shinsui’s work in this genre set a new standard for bijin-ga and helped to popularize this type of print in the modern era.

Before the shin-hanga movement, woodblock prints were often viewed as commercial or popular art rather than fine art. Shinsui, along with other shin-hanga artists, elevated woodblock printing to the status of fine art by focusing on quality, craftsmanship, and artistic expression. His works were not mass-produced; instead, they were carefully crafted, with attention to detail in every stage of production, from the initial design to the final print. This emphasis on quality helped change perceptions of woodblock prints and established them as valuable works of art.

Style

Unlike the more stylized figures in traditional ukiyo-e, Shinsui’s bijin-ga women were depicted with a greater sense of realism. He focused on natural expressions and postures, lending his subjects an aura of serene dignity. He paid close attention to the details of his subjects, particularly in the rendering of their clothing and hairstyles. He meticulously depicted the textures, patterns, and folds of kimonos, as well as the intricate styles of women’s hair, contributing to the lifelike quality of his prints.

The women in Shinsui’s prints often exude a quiet introspection or a serene, understated beauty. This subtlety of expression is a hallmark of his style, emphasizing the inner grace and calm of his subjects.

Shinsui’s landscapes often evoke a sense of tranquility and contemplation. He skillfully used light, shadow, and subtle gradations of color to create mood and atmosphere, capturing the ephemeral beauty of nature. His landscape compositions are carefully balanced, with an emphasis on harmony and simplicity. He often employed asymmetrical compositions, a common feature in Japanese art, which allowed for dynamic and visually engaging scenes.

He frequently depicted scenes associated with the changing seasons, a theme deeply rooted in Japanese artistic tradition. Whether it was a winter snow scene, a spring cherry blossom, or an autumn moon, his works captured the transient beauty of nature.

Influences and Lessons

Kaburagi Kiyokata instilled in Shinsui a deep respect for traditional Japanese aesthetics and techniques, while also encouraging him to develop his unique voice within the shin-hanga movement. This balance between tradition and personal expression became a hallmark of Shinsui’s work.

The works of ukiyo-e masters like Hokusai and Hiroshige had a profound impact on Shinsui. He was particularly influenced by their mastery of woodblock printing, their ability to capture the beauty of the natural world, and their innovative use of composition and color.

Ito Shinsui’s influences—from his mentor Kiyokata to the ukiyo-e masters and the broader shin-hanga movement—shaped his development as an artist and contributed to his unique blend of tradition and modernity. The lessons we can learn from his career include the importance of balancing tradition with innovation, the value of mentorship and collaboration, the significance of attention to detail and craftsmanship, and the need to adapt to changing times. His legacy continues to inspire artists, demonstrating that respect for the past and openness to the present can lead to enduring artistic success.

Style Representation

Collectors Corner - sebastianpetersen, vendeldigital, RezaMilani

Final Thoughts

We added a new pet to the family this week. 🤗 A dog has been something we’ve been wanting to get and the time seemed right so we paid a visit to the local Humane Society and found an incredibly sweet 2 year old Pitbull mix that had just been surrendered by her owners that morning. We changed her name form Nala to Aspasia (Sia for short) and she’s quickly become my little canine shadow, following me around and sleeping next to me. I haven’t had a dog in probably 20 years and I forgot how rewarding it is.

Depending on how busy my week gets, I might not have an issue for ya’ll next weekend. I’m taking a trip up to Minneapolis, MN to attend a Metallica concert and enjoy some fishing. It’s the last trip of the summer and should be a great time.

As always, if you enjoyed this edition I would really appreciate if you shared it. Just hit the share button below. And if you’re not following me on X yet, I’d love to follow you back. I’m also on Warpcast!

On that note, I’ll leave you with a quote that explains why dogs are a mans best friend:

Enjoy your weekend, friend!

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