Seien, Shima, 1892-1970

Born in Sakai City, Osaka. Given name Narie. Daughter of the painter Shima Eikichi. Studied Japanese-style painting with Kitano Tsunetomi. Exhibited with Bunten at age 21. Painter of bijin-ga in half-Western, half-Japanese manner. Withdrew from painters’ circles while living in various Japanese cities to which her husband was transferred as a bank employee but returned to Osaka after World War II and resumed painting. Had a solo exhibition at Osaka Daimaru and continued working until year of her death. An active creator of bijin-ga prints. Contributed to New Ukiyo-e Beauties (Shin ukiyo-e bijin awase). Works self-published or published by Hakuyosha.** Taken in whole, or in part, with permission from: Merritt, Helen and Nanako Yamada. Guide to Modern Japanese Woodblock Prints: 1900-1975. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu. 1992.