Evening Bell of the Clock (Tokei no banshō), from the series Eight Parlor Views (Zashiki hakkei) c. 1766

Editor: This is Suzuki Harunobu's "Evening Bell of the Clock" from the series "Eight Parlor Views." It's a woodblock print depicting two women in what seems like a quiet domestic scene. What historical context is important here? Curator: Harunobu's work often idealizes domestic life. Consider the social constraints on women during the Edo period. Are these women truly at ease, or is there a performance of tranquility? Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't considered the performative aspect of their pose. It makes you wonder about the unseen pressures they may have faced. Curator: Exactly! The image becomes a subtle commentary on gender roles and expectations within that society. What do you think about that? Editor: I've learned to question my initial interpretations. Thank you for broadening my view! Curator: It's all about looking beyond the surface, and thinking critically about what is seen.