"Gathering Spring Herbs" from the series "Streaked Mist"

Ikeda Shōen was one of the few female artists to achieve fame and success during the Meiji period (1868–1912). First a pupil of the celebrated printmaker and painter Mizuno Toshikata, Shōen later studied under the celebrated Nihonga landscape painter Kawai Gyokudō. Ikeda Terukata, a fellow student artist in both studios, became her husband and colleague. Sadly, both artists died relatively young within a few years of one another, she from pleurisy and tuberculosis. She specialized in depictions of beautiful women, typically with young soft features and flowing robes. 

With such a premature death, there are relatively few examples of her paintings. But today we present one of her beautiful woodblock prints. Lovely isn't it? It looks so modern; it could be taken from a shot of one of Studio Ghibli's films. 

P.S. Ladies and Gentlemen, meet another woman artist from Meiji period: Nōguchi Shōhin.  <3

P.P.S. If you love Japanese Art as much as we do, check out our Japanese Art Postcard Sets. You will love it!