Suzuki Harunobu (1724 - 1770)
Suzuki Harunobu was an apprentice in the wood block print field in the late 1750s. His early style most directly reflects the influence of the late Torii masters Kiyomitsu and Kiyotsune, but the events that led to the flourishing of his career happened around the year of 1864.
Around that time some of the cultured and wealthy samurai became interested in the contemporary art of ukiyo-e to send New Year's and greetings cards for the coming year. Harunobu had some personal contacts that gave him an advantage with the samurai group. His artistic style was very appealing to them as well. Following the successful production of the series of greetings cards, Harunobu became well known in artistic circles and his works were in great demand. He was the first artist to expand ukiyo-e into full color printings, which was revolutionary at the time.
Harunobu's illustrations of individuals were beautiful idealized men and women. Unlike many of his predecessors he did not seek to have the clothing or background elements dominate the prints, his figures were definitely the centerpiece of each design. He also chose subjects that were unique at the time. While many artists chose important events in their subjects' lives, Harunobu often focused on the mundane events of everyday life.
Harunobu's 18th century masterpieces are at the pinnacle of the Japanese wood block print-collecting world. These days, original Harunobu prints are very difficult to find. The extreme age of the prints and low production numbers of Harunobu's works make his prints among the rarest and most sought after among collectors.
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