The Harugoma Dance c. 1767 - 1768

Suzuki Harunobu's woodblock print, “The Harugoma Dance,” captures a slice of 18th-century Japanese life. Harunobu, working in Edo—now Tokyo—became known for his full-color prints depicting the everyday activities of women. Here, two women are shown in a domestic interior, one seated and watching the other perform the Harugoma, or hobby horse dance, a traditional dance often associated with the New Year. The dancer, with her improvised horse head, enacts a ritual wishing for a bountiful harvest. The image is not just a record of a dance, but also a glimpse into the lives of women and their cultural performances. Harunobu’s work reflects the shifting social dynamics of his time, where women's roles were both celebrated and constrained by societal expectations. As you consider the women depicted, reflect on the historical context that shaped their identities and expressions.