Reluctant Leave-taking 1765 - 1769

This woodblock print, “Reluctant Leave-taking,” was created by Suzuki Harunobu in the 18th century. Here, we observe two women, one adjusting the other's kimono sash, a poignant moment framed by the soft glow of a paper lantern and delicate floral arrangements. The act of adjusting clothing carries a weight of intimacy. Consider, in medieval depictions of courtly love, the gesture of a knight fastening his lady's cloak; a ritual of protection, a signifier of deep emotional connection. Here, the sash becomes a symbol of attachment, the reluctance to part mirrored in the tender adjustment. We see echoes of Aphrodite tending to Adonis, or even classical images of mothers dressing their children, underscoring themes of care, affection, and the pain of separation. This tender, almost mournful scene taps into our shared reservoir of human experience. The gentle curves and muted colors evoke a sense of melancholy, a reminder of the transience of connection, ever-recurrent, ever-evolving in the theater of life.