Previous   Next
Home » Images » 0039 Pictures From History » CPA0019394

Japan: A youing woman seated on her veranda by lamp light. Suzuki Harunobu (1724-1770)

Japan: A youing woman seated on her veranda by lamp light. Suzuki Harunobu (1724-1770)

Suzuki Harunobu (鈴木 春信, 1724 – July 7, 1770) was a Japanese woodblock print artist, one of the most famous in the Ukiyo-e style. He was an innovator, the first to produce full-color prints (nishiki-e) in 1765, rendering obsolete the former modes of two- and three-color prints.

Harunobu used many special techniques, and depicted a wide variety of subjects, from classical poems to contemporary beauties (bijin, bijin-ga). Like many artists of his day, Harunobu also produced a number of shunga, or erotic images.

During his lifetime and shortly afterwards, many artists imitated his style. A few, such as Harushige, even boasted of their ability to forge the work of the great master. Much about Harunobu's life is unknown.

Quick links to other images in this gallery: