Sketch (Peddler Woman of Ohara)

Born in Hyogo Prefecture, Tanaka Shinako studied Western-style painting under Asai Chu at the Shogoin Institute of Western Art and Kansai Bijutsuin. She married Sakakibara Kazuhiro, another pupil of Asai, and stepped back from producing major works, but numerous charcoal sketches from her time at the aforementioned art schools have been preserved. The date “10.9.1905” inscribed in the bottom right corner of this sketch suggests it was made during her time at Kansai Bijutsuin. The meticulously detailed depiction of the model, down to the texture and thickness of her garments, shows Tanaka’s solid technical mastery. Models hired at Kansai Bijutsuin varied widely in profession, from rickshaw drivers and gardeners to barrel makers. (J.A.)