The Floating World Takes Shape

Suzuki Harunobu

Visit to a Shrine at the Hour of the Ox

1765

Woodblock print; ink and color on paper, 28.3 × 20.6 cm. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Carrying hammer and nails to curse a faithless lover or a rival at about 2 a.m., a woman looks serene.

• The straw doll and candle crown this rite usually calls for are missing.
• A seal at left marks the private patron who commissioned it.
• The carver, Sekine Kaei, is credited by name beside the designer.

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