On the Veranda 1769 - 1770

"On the Veranda" is a woodblock print created by the renowned Japanese artist Suzuki Harunobu in 1769-1770. This delicate print, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Harunobu's signature style of depicting elegant figures in everyday scenes. The artwork features a woman in a flowing kimono, possibly a courtesan, gracefully tending a small plant while a young boy, perhaps her attendant, playfully blows a whistle. Harunobu's use of vivid colors and fine lines creates a sense of warmth and intimacy, highlighting the beauty of Japanese domestic life in the Edo period. The print exemplifies the "bijin-ga" (beautiful woman) genre, a popular subject in Japanese art that celebrates the grace and charm of women.