Harunobu

Harunobu (春信), also known as Suzuki Harunobu (鈴木 春信) (c. 1725 – 1770), was a Japanese designer of woodblock print art in the ukiyo-e style during the mid-Edo period. He is considered one of the most important and influential artists in ukiyo-e history, renowned for his innovations in nishiki-e (brocade pictures), full-color woodblock printing.

Before Harunobu, prints were primarily monochrome or employed limited colors. Nishiki-e, which Harunobu pioneered, utilized a sophisticated technique involving multiple woodblocks – sometimes more than ten – each carved to apply a different color. This allowed for incredibly detailed and vibrant prints, capturing nuanced colors and textures that were previously impossible.

Harunobu's subject matter often depicted idealized images of daily life, particularly scenes of beautiful women (bijin-ga) and occasionally actors (yakusha-e). He frequently used literary allusions and incorporated themes from classical poetry and stories into his designs. His figures are characterized by their slender, elegant forms and serene expressions.

Harunobu's innovative techniques and aesthetic sensibilities had a profound impact on the development of ukiyo-e. He influenced countless artists and helped to popularize the full-color print format, solidifying its place as a major art form in Japan. His prints are highly sought after by collectors and are displayed in museums around the world.