Fragrance of the Hot Spring 1930

Torii Kotondo made this woodblock print called Fragrance of the Hot Spring sometime in the 20th century. It depicts a woman in a moment of private reflection after bathing. Kotondo was associated with the Shin-Hanga movement, which revitalized traditional Ukiyo-e printmaking. Unlike the earlier Ukiyo-e prints, which often depicted idealized beauties or courtesans for a mass audience, Kotondo focused on capturing a sense of intimacy and modernity. The influence of Western art is evident in the use of light and shadow to create a sense of depth. The print offers a glimpse into the changing social mores of early 20th-century Japan, where artists sought to reconcile traditional aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities. Studying the artist's biography, and reading period sources, such as popular magazines, can tell us more about the artist's inspirations and motivations. Art provides meaningful insights into cultural change.