The Hour of the Oxx 

This woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaro depicts two women, with the title alluding to the hour of the ox in the traditional Japanese time system. The handkerchief held by each woman is not merely a practical object, but a subtle symbol of refinement and personal care. Across cultures, the act of covering the mouth or face has carried various meanings, from modesty to grief. We see echoes of this in classical art, where veiled figures often represent mourning or introspection. Here, the handkerchief serves as a filter, a delicate barrier between the private self and the external world. The gesture invites us to consider the psychological weight of such actions. Are these women concealing emotions, or perhaps engaging in a moment of private reflection? The ambiguity itself is a powerful force, drawing us into a deeper engagement with their inner lives.