Double-page Illustration from Vol. 2 of "Picture Book of Spring Brocades (Ehon haru no nishiki)" 1771

This double-page illustration from Suzuki Harunobu's "Picture Book of Spring Brocades," was made using woodblock printing, a technique known as *nishiki-e.* Consider the labor involved in this seemingly simple image. Each color required a separate block, meticulously carved and then printed in precise registration. This meant that Harunobu, or more likely, the artisans working for him, had to apply incredible skill. The watery scene, and soft interior of the home, are the result of that labor. The subtle gradations of color, and the fine lines defining the figures, demonstrate the mastery of this process. Woodblock printing was not only a method of artistic production but also a key part of a booming commercial industry. These prints were relatively affordable, bringing art into the homes of a wider audience. The beauty of Harunobu's image is inseparable from the means of its making, and it's important to remember this as we appreciate its delicate beauty. By acknowledging the material and the making, we recognize that it is much more than just a pretty picture; it is also a document of cultural history.