The Daruma Overcoat - Okumura Masanobu

A refined Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Okumura Masanobu, depicting figures in a domestic setting with traditional attire.

This woodblock print by Okumura Masanobu belongs to the series Three Pictures of Harmony, or Waki sanpukutsui. Masanobu was a central figure in the development of Ukiyo-e during the mid-Edo period. He is credited with technical innovations in printmaking, including the use of perspective and the refinement of lacquer-style prints known as urushi-e. In this composition, the artist depicts figures engaged in a quiet, domestic activity. The central figure wears a haori, a traditional Japanese jacket, which is draped over the head in a manner reminiscent of the monk Daruma. This visual pun is a common trope in the period, blending religious iconography with contemporary fashion.

The print displays the characteristic line quality of the era, with fluid, controlled strokes defining the folds of the garments and the facial features of the subjects. The composition is balanced, using the vertical format to create a sense of harmony between the standing and seated figures. The colour palette is restrained, relying on soft ochres, muted greys, and black ink to create visual interest without overwhelming the viewer. The inclusion of text and seals provides historical context, identifying the series and the artist's studio. Masanobu's work often focused on the lives of townspeople and the aesthetic trends of the Yoshiwara district. This piece captures a moment of shared focus, as the figures examine a document or scroll together. The attention to textile patterns on the kimonos demonstrates the artist's interest in the material culture of 18th-century Japan. By combining traditional motifs with the daily lives of his contemporaries, Masanobu created works that were both accessible and technically sophisticated. This print remains a representative example of his contribution to the development of the woodblock medium before the widespread adoption of full-colour nishiki-e prints.