Suzuki Harunobu

Suzuki Harunobu was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist born in 1725, who played a pivotal role in the development of the full-color woodblock print, known as nishiki-e. Active during the Edo period, Harunobu is often associated with the Rococo movement due to his delicate and refined aesthetic, which paralleled the European style's emphasis on elegance and ornamentation. His introduction of polychrome prints in 1765 marked a significant advancement in printmaking, allowing for greater detail and vibrancy in his depictions of courtesans, kabuki actors, and scenes from everyday life. Harunobu's work is characterized by its graceful figures and subtle use of color, which influenced subsequent generations of ukiyo-e artists. He passed away in 1770, leaving behind a legacy that significantly shaped the visual culture of his time.