Exchange of Gifts (Yuino), the second sheet of the series "Marriage in Brocade Prints, the Carriage of the Virtuous Woman (Konrei nishiki misao-guruma)" c. 1769

This print, *Exchange of Gifts (Yuino)*, was made by Suzuki Harunobu in 18th century Japan, using woodblock printing. It's a medium often associated with commercial imagery and design, rather than fine art. The texture of the paper itself is crucial here. It is thin, allowing light to reflect through the different colored inks. Each color would require a separate block, carefully carved and registered to create the final image. Harunobu was a master of this technique, achieving subtle gradations and delicate lines. The print depicts a formal exchange of gifts, likely related to a wedding ceremony. Look closely, and you can see the attention to detail in the patterns of the kimonos, the arrangement of the gifts, and the architectural space. Woodblock printing was a highly skilled craft, demanding both technical precision and artistic sensibility. The labor involved in producing these prints, often overlooked, contributed to their cultural value and their significance as records of social customs. Considering the materials and processes used, we can appreciate how Harunobu elevated a commercial medium to an art form, capturing the nuances of Japanese life.