Warming the Sake by Maple Leaf Fire 1725 - 1770

"Warming the Sake by Maple Leaf Fire" is a woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu, a prominent figure in the development of ukiyo-e, the genre of Japanese woodblock prints. Created in the mid-18th century, the artwork depicts two women in elaborate kimonos engaged in a conversation by a fence adorned with maple leaves. The print's vibrant colors and delicate lines capture the elegance and refinement of Edo-period Japanese society. The scene is set in a garden, with a blossoming maple tree adding to the beauty of the setting. Harunobu's use of subtle color gradients and the depiction of everyday life make this work a quintessential example of ukiyo-e art. This print, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the cultural practices and aesthetics of 18th century Japan.