Autumn Leaves 1934

Torii Kotondo created this woodblock print titled ‘Autumn Leaves’. The dominant impression is one of controlled vibrancy. The woman is framed by the strong red of her kimono, patterned with stylized autumn leaves and swirling water motifs. Her black hair creates a solid mass against the pale background, drawing the eye to the delicate features of her face. The composition is carefully arranged, with the subject's body angled to create a dynamic tension within the rectangular format. Kotondo plays with contrasting textures and patterns that offer insights into the cultural codes of the time. The kimono, with its seasonal motifs, acts as a signifier of Japanese identity and aesthetic sensibilities. At the same time, the woman's intimate gesture destabilizes traditional representations of women, reflecting the changing social dynamics of early 20th-century Japan. The tension between surface and depth, pattern and form, invites us to consider how Kotondo uses these formal elements to negotiate the complexities of identity, tradition, and modernity.