Woman Gazing at the Moon (perhaps Murasaki Shikibu) c. 1766 - 1767

Curator: Here we have a print by Suzuki Harunobu, dating from the 18th century, titled "Woman Gazing at the Moon (perhaps Murasaki Shikibu)." Editor: It strikes me as incredibly serene. The soft colors and that solitary figure evoke such quiet contemplation. Curator: The composition really directs the eye. Note how the lines of the veranda lead us to the woman, and then upward towards the moon, veiled by the artist's clever cloud. Editor: It's like a poem, really. The artist uses visual cues--the plum blossoms, the painted landscape--to create this atmosphere of refined longing. I wonder what she's thinking? Curator: Harunobu was a master of suggestion. The print offers a glimpse into a world of beauty and ephemeral moments. Editor: Precisely. This piece reveals how even stillness is infused with emotion. I can almost feel the cool night air.