The Floating World Takes Shape

Suzuki Harunobu

Lovers Walking in the Snow (Crow and Heron)

1764–72

Woodblock print with embossing; ink and color on paper, 28.6 × 20.6 cm. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Two lovers share an umbrella in falling snow, one in black, one in white.

• Perhaps a michiyuki, a couple's last journey toward a love suicide.
• Bright patterned under-robes show at collars, sleeves and hems.
• The design was re-cut during or soon after his lifetime; this is an early impression.

Image: The Met Open Access · Public domain (Met Open Access)