Artist Name ITO Shinsui. Dimensions Overall size: H49.0cm x W37.9cm. Print size: H45.4cm x W35.4cm. Remarks Watanabe seal 6mm. This is a work by Ito Shinsui, who was said to be the “last beauty painter” in the traditional Ukiyoe tradition of the Utagawa school. Shinsui also painted a work called “Spring Evening” with a composition almost identical to this “Whispering”. He also painted it many times with different hair ornaments and kimono patterns, and it seems to be the composition that he preferred. The scene in which the two women are whispering to each other, not only in a cute but also in a slightly mischievous manner, has the glamorous quality that is typical of Shinsui. The carefully rendered details of the ornamental hairpins and kimono patterns are a highlight of the work, but the emotions that can be drawn from their gazes at each other are also interesting. The background of the painting is decorated with a technique called “mica-zuri” (mica print). This is a technique familiar from the ukiyo-e paintings of Utamaro Kitagawa and Sharaku Toshusai, in which glittering mica or seashell powder is used. The result is a beautiful pearl-like luster on the surface of the finished paper, giving it a luxurious finish. Born in Tokyo, Japan.