A vintage shikishi card features a striking ink and watercolor portrait of a woman with a classic short bob haircut which became especially popular in Japan during the Taishō and early Shōwa periods (1910s–1930s). This style is commonly associated with the "modan gaaru" (モダンガール), or "modern girl" movement—young, urban women who embraced Western fashion and contemporary culture.
Rendered in bold, fluid brushstrokes, her jet-black hair frames her softly tilted face, creating a gentle contrast with her pale complexion and vividly red lips. The artist’s minimalist style—using subtle shading and precise lines—captures a contemplative, almost wistful expression as she looks downward with a faint, enigmatic smile. The textured brush technique used for the hair adds dynamic movement and depth, while the simplicity of the facial features invites quiet reflection.
