Daruma and a young woman in the rain 1765

Suzuki Harunobu made this woodblock print, *Daruma and a young woman in the rain*, in Japan sometime in the mid-18th century. This artwork exemplifies the *ukiyo-e* style, utilizing woodblocks to create multiple impressions of the same image. The flat, graphic quality of the print emphasizes line and color. Each color requires a separate block, demanding meticulous carving and registration for the final image to align correctly. The process involves skilled artisans, from the artist who designs the image to the carvers and printers who bring it to life. The labor-intensive nature of woodblock printing reflects a complex system of production and distribution. This particular print shows a Zen Buddhist monk, known as Daruma, sharing an umbrella with a young woman in the rain. The materials and making involved in this artwork reveal the integration of craft, design, and materiality within a wider social context. By appreciating the labor and techniques involved in its creation, we gain a deeper understanding of the art’s cultural significance.