The Jewel River of Plovers (Chidori no Tamagawa), from an untitled series of Six Jewel Rivers c. 1767

This is "The Jewel River of Plovers (Chidori no Tamagawa)," a woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu, created in Japan in the 1760s. The composition is dominated by a large expanse of solid ground, a flowing river in the background, and two figures. The muted palette and delicate lines create a sense of serene elegance. Harunobu’s work stands out because he used multiple blocks to achieve an unprecedented range of colors. This elevates the print from a mere image to a complex interplay of tonal relationships, where the positioning of each color plane informs the overall impression of harmony and balance. The lines of the women's robes direct the viewer's eye through the artwork. This design evokes a contemplative mood. The semiotic interplay between the figures, the birds, and the river invites interpretation beyond the immediately visible. Harunobu prompts us to consider the layers of meaning and cultural encoding inherent in the visual representation. This print thus functions not just as a visually pleasing image, but as a carefully constructed system of signs.