Lovers Walking in the Snow (Crow and Heron)
Original title: Lovers Walking in the Snow (Crow and Heron)
kurzbeschreibung
Two lovers walk through falling snow beneath a yellow umbrella. Suzuki Harunobu set this scene down between 1764 and 1772 as a colour woodblock print in ink and colour on paper, with embossing (karazuri) giving the sheet an added liveliness.
Description
On the left stands a figure in black robes whose sleeves and sash carry bright patterns; to the right walks a figure in white with dark stripes, holding the yellow umbrella. Both have lowered lids, their gazes turned the same way. Behind them bamboo and plant silhouettes stay only suggested. Black, white and yellow set the tone, with scattered touches of colour as accents.
Context
The print dates from the late Edo period, when the Japanese colour woodblock (nishiki-e) was at its height. Harunobu counts among the pioneers of this process, which from 1765 allowed multi-colour impressions. The sheet belongs to a series presenting lovers in everyday life, often with playful or poetic overtones.
Impact
The sparing palette and the figures' lowered gaze create a quiet, intimate mood. Thanks to the gentle embossing the paper feels tangible, drawing the viewer closer to the sheet.
Technique
Printing was done by woodblock with ink and colour on paper. For the embossing (karazuri) an additional pass without colour was added, leaving a raised surface. The sheet is in the medium-sized chūban format.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)