Maiko (Traditional Young Female Entertainer) 

A traditional young female entertainer, known as a maiko, is seen sitting against a plain background. While small, this painting clearly conveys the skill of the artist, Tsuchida Bakusen. Think of the shape of the sitting figure as a triangle, with the head at the top, and the hem and obi of the kimono spread outwards to each side on the floor. The girl’s body is completely contained within this triangle, creating a very stable composition. Furthermore, if you imagine a vertical line drawn from the top of the triangle (the head) to its base, it would align with her hair ornament, inner collar, obiage belt, and the red undergarment peeking out from her sleeves, further tightening the composition. With outlines that are fine and broken in places, and colors applied so that they blur slightly, the overall impression of the painting would be soft were it not for this tight triangular form and sharp use of red color.
(HIBINO Miyon)