Woman Reading — Torajirō Kojima

An intimate portrait among books

In Woman Reading, Torajirō Kojima depicts a young woman absorbed in an open book. Seated in a curved wicker chair, she wears a pale blouse, blue scarf and ochre skirt. Rows of books create colourful vertical bands behind her, contrasting with blue wallpaper. Her lowered gaze and hands resting on the volume lend the scene its calm. Visible brushstrokes nevertheless animate every surface, from clothing to bindings.

Kojima and Western painting

Held at the Museum of Fine Arts Ghent, this oil painting reflects Kojima’s interest in Western painting. The museum records his departure for Paris in 1908 and enrolment at the Ghent Academy the following year. The intimate subject combines with a close attention to colour and light. The upright bookshelves structure the background, while the chair and open book introduce curves and diagonals. The reproduction invites you to notice these details gradually.

An art print for a reading corner

Blue, cream and golden accents pair with bookshelves, pale wood and natural textiles. In a living room, study or reading space, soft lighting without glare helps reveal the nuances and the reader’s face.

Two more portraits to explore

Compare other approaches to portraying a woman’s face with Jeanne du Barry and Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Like Woman Reading, both posters belong to our portrait collection.