Lovers Parting by a Garden Gate c. 1768

Suzuki Harunobu created this woodblock print, "Lovers Parting by a Garden Gate," during the Edo period in Japan, a time marked by relative peace and flourishing arts. Harunobu, working within the ukiyo-e tradition, captured fleeting moments of everyday life. His works often focused on the intimate lives of women, and in this print, we see two figures in a moment of farewell. Notice that one woman is equipped with a sword, a symbol usually associated with male samurai. Harunobu was known for pushing against traditional gender roles. The snowy landscape and the garden gate serve as a backdrop to this poignant scene. One can imagine the complex emotions inherent in such a parting—perhaps longing, resignation, or even hope. Harunobu masterfully used color and line to convey not just an image, but a feeling, a story, and a quiet sense of longing. These prints served as a mirror to a society undergoing significant cultural change, all while reminding us of the deeply human experience of love and loss.