Xuan Zong and Yang Guifei

Harunobu is famous for completing multi-colored nishiki-e woodblock prints during the Meiwa era (1764-71). This is an interesting work that depicts the theme of Emperor Xuanzong and Lady Yang in a Chinese setting, and not in parody of a contemporary setting which was Harunobu’s forte. The detailed description and elegant color schemes attest to the artist’s outstanding qualities.