Watching the Game c. 1766

"Watching the Game" is a woodblock print created by the renowned Japanese artist Suzuki Harunobu in the mid-18th century. The print depicts three women in traditional Japanese clothing engaged in a game of sugoroku, a popular dice game in Edo-period Japan. Harunobu’s signature style is evident in the delicate lines, vivid colors, and graceful figures that bring the scene to life. The composition is balanced, with the women’s figures arranged around a central game board. The background features a waterfall and blooming trees, creating a serene and elegant setting. The print provides a glimpse into the leisure activities and social customs of the Edo period in Japan. The Art Institute of Chicago houses this iconic example of ukiyo-e, the woodblock print style that flourished in Japan from the 17th to 19th centuries.