Artwork

鈴木春信画坐鋪八景とけひの晩鐘|Evening Chime of the Clock (Tokei no banshō), from the series “Eight Parlor Views” (Zashiki hakkei)

鈴木春信画坐鋪八景とけひの晩鐘|Evening Chime of the Clock (Tokei no banshō), from the series “Eight Parlor Views” (Zashiki hakkei) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Suzuki Harunobu. It dates from 1766 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Evening Chime of the Clock (Tokei no banshō) is a chuban-sized woodblock print from Suzuki Harunobu's series 'Eight Parlor Views' (Zashiki hakkei), dated circa 1766. The work is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts an intimate indoor scene with two women. One, wearing a red-and-black checkered robe, assists the other, dressed in a pale, patterned dress, by adjusting her hair. The serene atmosphere is enhanced by the contrast between the interior's warmth and the exterior's natural elements.

Technique & Style

Harunobu employed fine lines to render intricate fabric folds and subtle shadows, notably on the seated woman's dress. This technique, akin to cross-hatching, achieves a soft, realistic texture, highlighting the artist's attention to detail and mastery of ukiyo-e printing.

History & Provenance

Created around 1766, the print is now housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though its ownership history prior to museum acquisition is not detailed here.

Context

Part of 'Eight Parlor Views', this work reflects 18th-century Japanese domestic life, offering a glimpse into the private, everyday moments of women in a traditional setting, juxtaposed with the subtle presence of nature.

Legacy

As a piece from Harunobu's influential series, it contributes to the broader impact of ukiyo-e on Japanese art, known for its detailed, serene depictions of daily life, though specific legacy details of this piece are not provided.