See Them Fly 1757 - 1777

Suzuki Harunobu's "See Them Fly," made with woodblock print, invites us into the intimate world of Edo period Japan. During this time, Japan was undergoing immense socio-economic change, and prints like these captured the everyday life of its citizens. Here, we see two women pausing to observe birds in flight. Their robes, rendered in delicate detail, speak to the era’s fashion and societal norms, while their shared moment hints at the nuances of female relationships. Consider the cultural weight of the image: The artist uses the motif of birds taking flight to explore themes of freedom and escape within the context of gender roles and social expectations. Are they longing for freedom? This image offers an evocative glimpse into their lives.