Courtesan and Her Child Attendant Playing with a Cat c. 1768

This print, Courtesan and Her Child Attendant Playing with a Cat, was created by Suzuki Harunobu in 18th century Japan. It's a woodblock print, made by carving an image into a block of wood, applying ink, and pressing it onto paper. Notice the flat, vibrant colors and delicate lines. Each color requires a separate block, carefully aligned to create the final image, making it an incredibly labor-intensive process. These prints were commercial objects, produced for a growing urban audience. They captured everyday life and popular culture, from landscapes to portraits of fashionable courtesans like the one depicted here. The process gives the image a unique texture and depth. The lines and patterns in the woman’s kimono are not just aesthetic choices, but evidence of the skilled craftsmanship that went into creating each print. Appreciating the work involved in these prints helps us to understand their original social and economic context, and challenges the traditional hierarchy of art and craft.