Burning Autumn Maple Leaves 1765

Suzuki Harunobu’s woodblock print, Burning Autumn Maple Leaves, was created in Japan in the mid-18th century. Harunobu lived and worked during the Edo period, a time of economic growth and cultural flourishing, but also rigid social hierarchies. This print depicts two women from different social strata, distinguished by their attire and setting. A courtesan, adorned in elaborate garments, is seated indoors. She receives a maple leaf from an attendant across the veranda. In this period courtesans were often cultural leaders, yet confined within the boundaries of their profession. Harunobu’s choice to represent these women interacting draws upon the artistic traditions of depicting women in domestic settings, while also subtly questioning these divisions. This print reflects an evolving social landscape, capturing the intricate dance between tradition and change. It invites us to contemplate the nuanced roles and identities of women within the structured society of Edo-period Japan.