Hashiguchi Goyo is among the most revered figures in 20th-century Japanese woodblock printing. Often hailed as the "Taisho Utamaro," his portraits of women achieved an aesthetic brilliance rarely equaled in the modern era. Due to his untimely death in 1921 at age 41, Goyo’s original body of work is exceptionally small. 

The rarity of his prints was further compounded by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, which destroyed many of his original woodblocks and existing stock in the resulting fires. Today, original Goyo prints are premier collector's items, frequently commanding prices between $8,000 and $10,000, with many selling for significantly more. You can explore current market values and auction records through the Sotheby's Japanese Art Collection or Christie’s.

To honor his legacy, Goyo’s heirs authorized limited commemorative editions produced by two of Japan’s most prestigious publishers: Yuyudo and Tanseisha. These reprints were crafted to the same exacting standards as the 1920s originals. Expert carvers recreated the woodblocks with surgical precision, while master printers used traditional pigments, shimmering mica, and handmade paper to replicate the texture and detail of Goyo’s initial visions. 

Widely regarded as one of Goyo’s masterpiece, this print is a definitive highlight of the Shin-hanga movement. Through minimalist lines and a delicate palette, Goyo created an enduring work that remains one of the most celebrated woodblock prints in history.