From the series A Picture Book of Beautiful Women of the Green Houses (Ehon seiro bijin awase), ca. 1770. Seated beautiful woman reading a scroll. Not framed, overall paper measures approx. 8-1/4" x 5-1/2". Until 1765 Harunobu was not very popular until 1765, when friendship with the poets of haikai (seventeen-syllable poetry) in Edo, enabled him to produced the first nishiki-e (full-color woodcut print) in 1765, suddenly raising him to the zenith of the Ukiyo-e world. His unique dream-like bijin dominated the Ukiyo-e world of his time and Harunobu frequently composed mitate-e (parody pictures) of bijin, his subjects borrowed from historical facts and legendary tales. The basic concept of his art is affection, especially love which was a central element of his works. Harunobu also designed many shunga (erotic prints) which are marked by the same artistry and taste as his ordinary designs.
200/300 Sold $115.00
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