Page 119 - Christies Japanese and Korean Art Sept 22 2020 NYC

108
SUZUKI HARUNOBU (1725-1770)
A young couple playing kemari
Woodblock print, signed Harunobu ga, published circa 1767-68
Vertical chuban: 10¬ x 8º in. (27 x 20.6 cm.)
$8,000-12,000

A print with a similar design is in the collection of the Honolulu
Museum of Art, object number 13875.

109
SUZUKI HARUNOBU (1725-1770)
Two beauties walking in the rain
Woodblock print (egoyomi), unsigned, published circa 1765-70
Vertical chuban: 10Ω x 7æ in. (26.6 x 19.8 cm.)
$6,000-8,000

This type of print is called egoyomi (calendar prints), which cleverly
incorporate hidden numbers as calendar markings. This print has
numbers printed on the edge of umbrella. Wealthy patrons often
privately commissioned egoyomi, eagerly exchanging them among
the members of their literary circles. Harunobu was one of the
leading print artists working in this unique type of print.

The same print is in the collection of the Harvard Art Museums/
Arthur M. Sackler Museum, object number 1933.4.2646.