Picture Book of Mount Asaka - Nishikawa Sukenobu

A refined woodblock print from the 1739 'Ehon asakayama' by Nishikawa Sukenobu, featuring elegant figures in traditional Japanese attire.

This woodblock print originates from the 'Ehon asakayama' (Picture Book of Mount Asaka), a publication by the Kyoto-based artist Nishikawa Sukenobu. Published in 1739, the work reflects the aesthetic priorities of the mid-Edo period. Sukenobu was a prolific illustrator, known for his contributions to the development of the ehon (picture book) format, which allowed for the wider dissemination of visual narratives beyond single-sheet prints.

The composition presents two distinct scenes across a double-page spread. On the left, two figures are depicted in conversation, their postures suggesting a casual interaction. The right side features a solitary figure draped in a patterned kimono, with a head covering that obscures part of the face. The line work is characteristic of the period, utilising controlled, fluid strokes to define the contours of the garments and the subtle expressions of the subjects. The patterns on the clothing are rendered with precision, demonstrating the technical capabilities of the woodblock carvers who translated Sukenobu's drawings into print.

Sukenobu's approach to the human form is marked by a certain grace, often focusing on the elegance of movement and the arrangement of fabric. Unlike the later, more dramatic styles of the Ukiyo-e school, this work maintains a balanced, restrained quality. The figures occupy a shallow space, typical of the era's graphic design, where the focus remains on the silhouette and the decorative elements of the attire. This print provides a clear view into the fashion and social customs of 18th-century Japan, as seen through the lens of a popular illustrator of the time.