Looking at Edo Bay c. 1765 - 1770

Curator: This is "Looking at Edo Bay" by Suzuki Harunobu, a Japanese ukiyo-e print held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s surprisingly serene. The soft, muted colors and the women's placid expressions create such a tranquil mood. Curator: Harunobu was known for his elegant and refined portrayals of women and daily life. Note how the spatial relationships are flattened, almost as if staged. Editor: I'm particularly struck by the layering of the bamboo blinds, the figures, and the view of Edo Bay—it's a carefully constructed pictorial space. The women are so graceful and poised. Curator: This work gives us insight into the daily life of women in 18th-century Japan, their domestic activities, and the emphasis placed on beauty and refinement. Editor: The delicate composition invites us to contemplate the quiet moments of life. A lovely piece, demonstrating harmony in form and social observation.