Seven Women Tossing Daikoku in the Air at New Year c. 1767 - 1768

This print, Seven Women Tossing Daikoku in the Air at New Year, was made by Suzuki Harunobu in Japan, using woodblock printmaking. Woodblock printing demands a highly skilled division of labor. An artist creates the initial design, which is then transferred to a series of woodblocks – one for each color. Expert carvers then incise the design, and printers carefully apply ink to create the final impression. In this print, we see vibrant colors and intricate patterns, a testament to the mastery of the artisans involved. The figures almost seem to float on the page, a quality achieved through precise carving and delicate layering of inks. Looking closely, you'll notice the subtle variations in tone and texture, achieved through careful control of pressure and ink density. This speaks to a deeply refined aesthetic, where technical prowess meets artistic vision. Woodblock prints like this one were integral to the flourishing urban culture of Edo-period Japan. They reflect a sophisticated system of production, distribution, and consumption, where the line between art and craft was beautifully blurred.