Throwing the Shuttle c. 1766 - 1767

"Throwing the Shuttle" (c. 1766-1767) is a woodblock print by the renowned Japanese artist Suzuki Harunobu. This piece, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts a woman operating a loom, a common activity in Edo-period Japan. The intricate detail and delicate colors characteristic of Harunobu's work are evident in the woman's kimono and the meticulously rendered loom. The presence of a child, perhaps an apprentice, adds to the scene's intimate and domestic feel. Harunobu's prints, known for their beauty and depiction of daily life, played a significant role in popularizing the ukiyo-e genre.