The Sleeping Tea-Boy (parody of Hokaso) c. 1767

Suzuki Harunobu created this woodblock print titled “The Sleeping Tea-Boy (parody of Hokaso)” sometime between 1725 and 1770. This print demonstrates the refined techniques of *ukiyo-e*, or “pictures of the floating world.” The process involves carving a separate block for each color, and then carefully registering them to create the final image. Look closely, and you'll notice how the evenness of the colors and the sharp lines create a sense of flatness, typical of woodblock prints. In terms of subject matter, Harunobu was known for depicting scenes of everyday life, often with a playful or humorous twist. As you can see here, the artist's wit shines through in the title itself, with the reference to "Hokaso" suggesting a parody of a well-known story or character. The attention to detail in the rendering of the figures, their garments, and the surrounding objects reveals a keen observation of the material world. The artist's skilled craftsmanship elevated what might otherwise be considered a humble scene into a work of art.