Picture Book of the Eternal Pines (Ehon chiyo no matsu) (ca. 1767, Met-Objekt 4840)
Original title: Picture Book of the Eternal Pines (Ehon chiyo no matsu)
kurzbeschreibung
Around 1767, Suzuki Harunobu created a woodblock-printed book that brings together scenes of women and children in traditional Japanese dress. Executed in ink and color on paper, the book measures approximately 15.9 × 21.1 cm.
Description
On the left, a woman in traditional clothing stands beside a small child holding a plant; she looks at the child. Another child kneels on the ground in the background, also holding something. On the right, a woman sits with an object in her hands, and behind her vertical stripes suggest a curtain or wall. Both pages bear Japanese characters that describe the title and content. The pages have a beige tone and show signs of use and aging.
Context
The book was made during the Edo period, a phase of cultural flourishing and urban pleasure culture. Suzuki Harunobu was a leading artist of color woodblock printing and shaped the development of nishiki-e (brocade pictures). As an ehon (illustrated book), the work belongs to a genre widely distributed in 18th-century Japan that often showed everyday scenes or literary themes. Such books were printed in editions and found a broad audience in cities like Edo (present-day Tokyo).
Impact
A quiet, intimate atmosphere of everyday life emanates from the scene. Delicate lines and fine coloring create an elegant, almost poetic mood. Through posture and interaction, the figures seem natural and engaging.
Technique
The book was printed using the woodblock method, with ink and colors applied to paper. This technique allowed for fine lines and subtle color gradations characteristic of Harunobu's style. Separately carved wooden blocks were used for each color, from which the prints were pulled.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)