Burning Maple Leaves to Heat Sake c. 1768

This print, “Burning Maple Leaves to Heat Sake,” was created by Suzuki Harunobu in eighteenth-century Japan, using woodblock printing. The scene is brought to life through the texture and color of the woodblock technique. The artist would have carved a separate block for each color, applying ink and pressing them onto paper in layers. This allowed for the precise rendering of details, like the delicate patterns on the women’s kimonos, and the gradations of the maple leaves. Note how the artist used the flat, graphic nature of the woodblock to convey depth and texture. The overall effect gives a sense of calm and intimacy, with the viewer drawn into the women’s tranquil world. This print wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was also an expression of a new kind of urban lifestyle emerging in Japan at the time. Mass production and consumption were becoming increasingly important, even in the realm of art. Looking closely at how this print was made helps us to understand its full cultural resonance.