Harunobu Suzuki

(properly, Hozumi Jihei). Born 1718 or 1725 in Edo (present-day Tokyo); died there 1770. Japanese graphic artist and painter; member of the ukiyo-e school.

Harunobu was one of the first masters of Japanese color prints made from several wood blocks. Most of his work was done between 1764 and 1770. He mainly portrayed young, graceful women, such as shopgirls and dancers, as well as street scenes. Haru-nobu’s prints are known for their subtle purity of line and delicate gradations of color. When printing, Harunobu often employed embossing and other complicated techniques.