The First Childbirth (Uizan), the seventh sheet of the series "Marriage in Brocade Prints, the Carriage of the Virtuous Woman (Konrei nishiki misao-guruma)" c. 1769

Suzuki Harunobu created this woodblock print titled "The First Childbirth" as part of the series "Marriage in Brocade Prints" sometime before his death in 1770. The composition is striking, divided into two distinct scenes by a structural column. On the left, we observe women attending to a new mother, while on the right, a group bathes the newborn. Harunobu uses a limited color palette, dominated by soft pinks, greens, and creams, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere. The delicate lines and patterns of the kimonos contrast with the geometric order of the room's architecture. This contrast creates a sense of harmony and balance. The patterns act as signs denoting status and context within the print. The artwork challenges fixed meanings by elevating a private domestic scene to the realm of high art. This print prompts ongoing interpretation, inviting us to reflect on the cultural codes embedded within its structure and composition.