Snow 1759 - 1779

This polychrome woodblock print, "Snow," was crafted by Suzuki Harunobu in 18th century Japan. Dominating the scene are the yellow umbrellas held above the figures, which, beyond their practical function against the snow, act as symbols of protection and status within the urban landscape. The umbrella has surfaced throughout history across varying cultures as both a practical tool and an emblem of power. Think back to ancient Egypt and the parasols shading pharaohs, or its use in religious ceremonies in Asia. Here, in Harunobu’s print, the motif of the umbrella persists, yet evolves to signify not just authority, but the everyday elegance and refinement of Edo period life. The umbrella becomes a shared, protective canopy. The act of shielding oneself from the elements engages our most basic instincts of survival and comfort. Harunobu taps into this, evoking a sense of shared human experience and subconscious recognition. It is through this complex layering of cultural memory and emotion that Harunobu's "Snow" resonates so profoundly, carrying echoes from the past and sparking recognition in the present.