The Ceremonial Sake (Konrei sakazuki), the fourth sheet of the series "Marriage in Brocade Prints, the Carriage of the Virtuous Woman (Konrei nishiki misao-guruma)" c. 1769

"The Ceremonial Sake (Konrei sakazuki)" is the fourth sheet of the series "Marriage in Brocade Prints, the Carriage of the Virtuous Woman (Konrei nishiki misao-guruma)" by Suzuki Harunobu, a prominent artist in the 18th-century Edo period in Japan. Harunobu is known for his beautiful and intricate depictions of everyday life in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). This sheet illustrates a scene from a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony, where a couple shares sake from a pair of cups, signifying their union. This print, like the rest of the series, highlights the rich details and elegance of Japanese social customs, giving viewers a glimpse into the cultural traditions of the time. Harunobu's signature style, evident in this artwork, is marked by delicate lines, subtle gradations of color, and an overall sense of refined beauty.