The Enigmatic World of Tōsendō Rifū: A Master of Edo Period Bijinga Tōsendō Rifū remains a somewhat elusive figure in the annals of Japanese art history, yet his contributions to the vibrant world of *bijinga* – images of beautiful women – during the Edo period (1615–1868) are undeniable. Active primarily in Tokyo, though biographical details remain scarce, Rifū flourished within a specific artistic milieu characterized by both technical skill and a keen understanding of popular culture. He wasn’t merely depicting faces; he was capturing an ideal, a fleeting moment of beauty that resonated w…