First Leaf of the Shunga; The Delightful Love Adventures of Maneyemon 1759 - 1779

This print, *First Leaf of the Shunga; The Delightful Love Adventures of Maneyemon*, was made by Suzuki Harunobu around the 1760s using woodblock printing. This technique involves carving an image into a block of wood, applying ink to the raised surface, and then pressing paper onto the block to transfer the image. Notice the flat planes of color, the crispness of the lines, and the overall graphic quality of the print. These characteristics are all directly related to the printmaking process. Woodblock printing was not only a means of artistic expression but also a significant industry in Japan at the time. It allowed for the mass production of images, making art more accessible to a wider audience. The labor-intensive process required the skills of designers, carvers, and printers, each contributing to the final product. The commercial success of prints like these speaks to the growing urban culture and consumerism of the Edo period. Understanding the materials, processes, and social context behind this print allows us to appreciate its full meaning, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.