Key block print for The Introduction (Miai), the first sheet from the series "Marriage in Brocade Prints, the Carriage of the Virtuous Woman (Konrei nishiki misao-guruma)" c. 1769

This key block print by Suzuki Harunobu, made in the 18th century, presents the opening scene of a traditional Japanese marriage. Dominating the image is the act of introduction, ‘Miai’, laden with symbols of social harmony and continuation of lineage. The figures, meticulously arranged, evoke a sense of ritualistic importance. Consider the covered faces, a motif that appears in various contexts across cultures, from ancient Roman rituals to tribal initiations. This veiling speaks to the subconscious; a suppression of individual identity in favor of collective duty. The exchange of sake cups, repeated in wedding ceremonies worldwide, symbolizes purification and unity, mirroring gestures found even in ancient Greek nuptial rites. Such recurring symbols reveal our collective memory, the persistence of fundamental human experiences echoed across eras. This image is not just a portrayal of a marriage introduction; it’s a window into the timeless human psyche, revealing the delicate interplay between individual desire and societal expectations.