Woman with a Pumpkin
1914
This 1914 work by Japanese modernist Kishida Ryusei showcases a fascinating departure from his typical detailed portraits, embracing a dramatic, elongated style. The solitary woman stands against an electric blue sky, her dark robes falling open as she holds a pumpkin—a humble, earthly object contrasting with the divine atmosphere. The twisting pose and vivid colors strongly echo the Mannerist influence of El Greco, creating a haunting blend of Western art history and modernist experimentation. Kishida was known for his intense observation, and here he applies that gaze to a figure that feels both timeless and surreal.
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