Harunobu Suzuki (1724-1770)

Suzuki Harunobu was a pivotal figure in the development of Japanese woodblock printing, or ukiyo-e. Little is known about Harunobu's early life, including his birthplace and exact birthdate, but it is believed he grew up in Kyoto. Despite the lack of biographical details, Harunobu's impact on the art world is unmistakable.

Harunobu began his artistic career in the style of the Torii school, initially producing works that, while skillful, did not stand out in terms of innovation. However, his involvement with a group of literati samurai marked a turning point in his artistic trajectory. Through their influence, Harunobu ventured into new formats and styles, paving the way for his future groundbreaking contributions to the art of woodblock printing.

In 1765, Harunobu achieved a milestone in the history of ukiyo-e by introducing full-colour prints, known as nishiki-e, rendering obsolete the former modes of two- and three-color prints. His innovative use of multiple separate woodblocks to create vibrant, multi-coloured images revolutionised the medium and earned him acclaim as a master of ukiyo-e. Despite his untimely death at the age of 46 in 1770, Harunobu's legacy endured through his innovative techniques and timeless portrayals of Edo's urban life, influencing generations of artists and leaving a lasting mark on Japanese art history.