Hakuho Hirano (1879-1957)

Hakuho Hirano was a nihonga and ukiyo-e style artist born in Kyoto in 1879. Beyond this very little information remains about his personal or professional life.  Despite this obscurity, Hirano's artistic contributions are noteworthy, particularly in the realm of bijin-ga, or prints of beautiful women, during the 1930s. His work epitomised the aesthetic trends of the era, characterised by quiet compositions, subtle colour schemes, and playful textures. Collaborating with publisher Watanabe Shozaburo, Hirano produced a set of five bijin-ga prints, including notable pieces such as "After a Bath" (1932) and "Before the Mirror" (1932). These prints showcased Hirano's exquisite print formatting and exemplified the elegance and allure of 1930s bijin-ga art. Despite the lack of biographical details, Hirano's artistic legacy endures, leaving behind a testament to his talent and creativity.

Signature of the artist Hakuho Hirano