SUKENOBU: Early 18th Century Beauties
Ronin Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of woodblock prints by Nishikawa Sukenobu (1671-1751), one of the most important early masters of ukiyo-e. Over 300 years ago, in 1699, Nishikawa Sukenobu began producing woodblock prints. Most all his designs were book illustrations of beautiful women. The flowing lines and quiet grace of his monochrome prints are the hallmark of his work. Sukenobu’s women are a delight to the eye. Their delicate beauty, refined manners, and charming innocence characterize the idolized female figure of the “floating world”. Immensely popular during his life it is estimated that he produced close to 200 ehon chiefly illustrating the lives of women and young girls. He was a major influence on many 18th century Edo artists, most notably Harunobu.
