"Spring Dream." Original woodblock on paper from the Twelve Seasons print collection. Not framed, paper measures approx. 8-3/8" x 11-1/8". The print depicts two women having the same dream while sleeping. 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. He was devoted to idealized feminine beauty, which he interpreted as symbolizing tenderness, purity and frail grace. 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 $230.00
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