Sukenobu Nishikawa Paintings

Sukenobu Nishikawa, also known as Nishikawa Sukenobu, was a prominent Japanese ukiyo-e artist, particularly renowned for his depictions of women from various social strata. Born in 1671 in Kyoto, he is often associated with the city, which was somewhat unusual since many ukiyo-e artists were based in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Sukenobu's works are considered unique for their time, as they focused more on the daily lives and fashions of Kyoto women rather than the typical ukiyo-e subjects of courtesans and actors from Edo.

Sukenobu demonstrated a keen interest in detail and the depiction of fabrics and textures. He produced a wide range of books, including picture books (ehon) and illustrated novels, which were popular during his time. His works provided a valuable insight into the lifestyles, clothing, and interiors of the Edo period. Sukenobu was also known for his erotic prints, but unlike many of his contemporaries, his portrayals were often more subtle and suggestive rather than explicit.

He was highly prolific and continued to create art throughout his life. His influence extended beyond his own time, with later artists often drawing inspiration from his detailed and sensitive portrayal of women. Sukenobu's legacy is also important in the context of the development of ukiyo-e, as his focus on the daily life and fashion of women added a new dimension to the genre, which was mainly dominated by male artists. Sukenobu passed away in 1750, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be celebrated for its elegance and insight into Japanese culture of the period.