Two Women catching Fireflies
Woodblock print on paper (Ukiyo-e) • Suzuki Harunobu (signed 'Harunobu ga' on the right)
Style & Movement
Ukiyo-e, Edo Period Japan
Medium & Technique
Nishiki-e (polychrome woodblock print) using ink and pigments on handmade paper
Creation Period
Original design circa 1765-1770; this specific impression likely a mid-20th century reproduction/reprint
Dimensions & Format
Chuban format (approx. 11 x 8 inches), portrait orientation
Subject Description
Two young women (bijin) by a stream at night, one holding a bamboo pole and the other a cage, engaged in the popular summer leisure activity of firefly catching (hotarugari)
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; colors appear vibrant and the paper shows little sign of age or foxing typical of 18th-century originals
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 (standard for high-quality mid-century Showa-era reprints)
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150
Provenance History
Unknown; currently in a modern Western-style frame with a decorative beaded mount
Art Historical Significance
Harunobu is credited with the invention of Nishiki-e (brocade pictures), full-color prints. This composition epitomizes his 'lyrical' style and delicate, doll-like figures
Notable Features
Signature 'Harunobu ga' on the right; the use of solid black for the night sky is a classic Harunobu design element
Condition Issues
None visible; paper appears pristine, suggesting it is a late woodblock strike rather than an antique original
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a UV-protective glass frame and avoid direct sunlight to prevent pigment fading