A refined 1916 Shin-hanga woodblock print by Itō Shinsui, depicting a woman in a red kimono adjusting her hair.

Before the Mirror, created in 1916, is an early work by Itō Shinsui, a figure associated with the Shin-hanga movement. This print depicts a woman in profile, captured in a moment of quiet preparation. Her posture is relaxed, with one hand raised to adjust her hair, while her gaze is directed away from the viewer. The composition relies on the contrast between the bold, saturated red of her kimono and the muted, textured grey of the background.

Shinsui employs a refined aesthetic that draws upon traditional ukiyo-e techniques while incorporating modern sensibilities regarding light and shadow. The kimono features a subtle, repeating pattern, which adds texture without overwhelming the simplicity of the figure. The artist uses clean, precise lines to define the silhouette of the woman, particularly the curve of her neck and the elaborate shape of her hairstyle. The inclusion of a small, golden hair ornament provides a point of focus, drawing the eye to the details of her grooming.

The background is not a flat colour but possesses a tactile quality, suggesting the texture of paper or a wall surface. This choice creates a sense of space around the subject, isolating her in a private, domestic sphere. Shinsui was known for his ability to convey psychological depth through subtle shifts in expression and body language. In this print, the woman's downcast eyes and the slight turn of her head suggest an internal focus, removed from the external world. The work demonstrates the technical precision of the Shin-hanga school, where the collaboration between artist, carver, and printer resulted in prints of high quality and artistic intent. It remains a representative example of Shinsui's early interest in the bijin-ga genre, focusing on the portrayal of women with a focus on grace and understated elegance.