Title : Mother and Son With Hobbyhorse

Artist : Suzuki Harunobu

Date : c. 1765

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Source : Honolulu Museum of Art
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Description : In this hashira-e, or pillar print, a young boy rides his hobbyhorse as he accompanies his mother on a summer outing. His mother holds a parasol to shield him from the strong sun. This domestic scene of a mother and child is a frequent theme in Harunobu's work. (from Summer Evenings: Harunobu exhibition 5/30/06-) A young boy riding his hobby-horse is accompanied by his mother on a summer outing. The mother holds a parasol to shield him from the strong sun and a fan with the crest of a Kabuki actor, which suggests that she is a Kabuki aficionado. The stripe as well as the somber colors such as gray, brown, and dark green became very popular during the mid-18th century. This was the birth of an aesthetic sense called “iki” (chic). The use of an umbrella for the sun became common at the same time. The use of red for her hair comb, under kimono, the crest depicted on the fan, and the child’s outfit contrast with the dark color of the umbrella and the kimono, embodying the chic sense of Edo urbanites. (from "VOGUE in Japan: Edo Fashion through Japanese prints" exhibition 07/30/08-)

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