Courteousness (Rei), from the series "Five Cardinal Virtues" 1767

"Courteousness (Rei)," by Suzuki Harunobu, is a woodblock print from the series "Five Cardinal Virtues." Created in Japan, this work reflects the cultural emphasis on social harmony during the Edo period. Here we see two women embodying "Rei," or courteousness, one of the key tenets of Confucianism. The woman on the left adjusts the other's robe, a gesture of care and respect. The print aestheticizes tenderness and friendship between women, but it also reinforces expectations about their roles. The print is more than just a pretty scene, it offers insights into the societal norms of the time, especially those surrounding women’s behavior and relationships. The artist asks us to consider how social virtues are enacted and embodied, inviting us to reflect on the emotional and social labor involved in maintaining harmony.