Artist
Sugimura Jihei
Japan
Sugimura Jihei is a Japan Baroque artist. 2 works are cataloged here, principally at Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Sugimura Jihei made bold, dramatic prints in late-1600s Japan. He lived in Kyoto, the cultural heart of the country, where he carved and printed pictures of actors, warriors, and beautiful women. Unlike most artists of his time, Jihei signed many of his works, which was rare then. He worked mainly in the 1680s and early 1690s, just as Japan began to open up after years of isolation.
Jihei had a knack for telling a story in a single image. He often used deep blacks and sharp contrasts (a technique called *kuro-urushi-e*, or "black lacquer prints") to make his figures stand out. His women have bold outlines and expressive faces, almost like characters in a play. He also loved dramatic poses—think flying sleeves or crossed swords—showing movement in still pictures. His prints feel alive, like a snapshot of a moment on stage.
Look for Jihei’s signature, usually in the corner, and his strong black shadows. If a print has a starburst pattern or a kimono that looks like it’s about to fly off the page, it’s probably his.
Works by Sugimura Jihei
Collections represented
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