Young Woman Seated on the Balcony of Kiyomizu Temple c. 1766

Suzuki Harunobu created this woodblock print, *Young Woman Seated on the Balcony of Kiyomizu Temple*, during the mid-18th century, a period of relative peace and economic growth in Japan. Harunobu, situated in Edo society, revolutionized ukiyo-e prints by introducing full-color printing, known as *nishiki-e*, which elevated the artistic value and broadened the appeal of these works. The woman's kimono, her hairstyle, and even her serene expression, conform to the era's aesthetic ideals. Yet, it also hints at the complex role of women, often confined by societal expectations but simultaneously celebrated within artistic and cultural spheres. The balcony view extends beyond a simple scene; it evokes an emotional space reflecting the transient beauty of life, a concept deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy. Harunobu captures not just an image, but a mood, inviting us to consider the intersections of beauty, melancholy, and societal roles.