Clearing Breeze from a Fan (Ogi no seiran), from the series "Eight Views of the Parlor (Zashiki hakkei)" c. 1766

Suzuki Harunobu's "Clearing Breeze from a Fan" was created in the 18th century using woodblock printing, a process where each color requires a separate block, meticulously carved and aligned. The materiality of the print—paper and ink—might seem simple, but its production involves significant labor. From papermakers to wood carvers and printers, each artisan contributes specialized skills. The smooth, flat surface of the print belies the intensive handcraft required to produce it. The act of printing itself, pressing the paper onto the inked block, leaves an impression not just of the image, but also of the labor involved. The crisp lines and subtle color gradations speak to the skills of the artisans, making this print not just an aesthetic object, but also a document of a particular mode of production. Considering the social context, prints like this were part of a burgeoning consumer culture. Appreciating the print means acknowledging the many hands that brought it into being, and its place in the broader economy of Edo-period Japan.