Young Man Playing a Noh Drum 1725 - 1770

This woodblock print, "Young Man Playing a Noh Drum" by Suzuki Harunobu, depicts a young man in traditional dress playing a "tsuzumi," a small hand drum used in Noh theater. The print is characterized by Harunobu's signature style, featuring delicate lines, soft colors, and a focus on everyday scenes of elegant beauty. The setting of the print, with its lattice screen and potted chrysanthemums, suggests an intimate and refined interior, further enhancing the sense of tranquility and artistry. Harunobu's work contributed significantly to the "ukiyo-e" movement, a genre of Japanese art that depicted the floating world of Edo-era Japan, highlighting everyday life, theater, and popular culture.