The Moon (Tsuki), from the series "Fashionable Scenes of Snow, Moon and Flowers (Furyu setsugekka)" c. 1768 - 1769

This print, "The Moon," was made by Suzuki Harunobu in eighteenth-century Japan as part of a series of "Fashionable Scenes of Snow, Moon, and Flowers." The entire image is a testament to the skilled labor involved in the production of Japanese woodblock prints known as Ukiyo-e. The process begins with a drawing, which is then carefully transferred to a woodblock, usually cherry. The artist cuts away the negative space leaving a raised surface to be inked. Each color requires a separate block, demanding precise alignment to achieve the final image. Looking closely, you can see the delicate lines and subtle color gradations made possible by this meticulous process. The soft, muted palette and the graceful poses of the women evoke a sense of tranquility and refinement, which reflects the cultural values of the Edo period. Consider how this method of production, rooted in craft traditions, elevates an image of everyday life into an object of beauty and contemplation. The print offers a window into the social context of its time, inviting us to appreciate the artistry and skill involved in its creation.