The Jewel River at Chōfu (Chōfu no Tamagawa) - Suzuki Harunobu

A delicate nishiki-e woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu, depicting a woman washing cloth in the river at Chōfu with subtle blind embossing.

Suzuki Harunobu was a pioneer of the nishiki-e, or brocade print, which allowed for the use of multiple colours in a single woodblock composition. This work depicts a woman washing cloth in the river at Chōfu, a subject rooted in classical Japanese poetry. The six Jewel Rivers of Japan were a common theme in literature, and Harunobu adapts this tradition by placing a contemporary figure within the setting. The woman is shown in a graceful, slightly elongated posture, a hallmark of Harunobu's style. Her kimono features subtle patterns, and her movement is captured with a sense of quiet activity. The print utilises karazuri, or blind embossing, on the cloth being washed in the water. This technique creates a tactile, raised texture on the paper without the use of ink, adding a layer of physical depth to the two-dimensional surface. The composition is balanced, with the figure positioned to the right and the flowing water occupying the left, creating a harmonious visual rhythm. The soft, muted palette reflects the aesthetic preferences of the period, focusing on delicate tones rather than high-contrast saturation. Harunobu's work often focused on the lives of women in the Edo period, presenting them with a gentle, ethereal quality. This print is part of a series dedicated to the Jewel Rivers, demonstrating the artist's ability to blend historical literary references with the everyday life of his contemporaries. The inclusion of calligraphy in the upper cartouche provides context, linking the visual image to the poetic tradition of the location. The print remains a fine example of the technical advancements in colour printing during the mid-eighteenth century, showcasing the precision of the carvers and printers who collaborated with the artist.