A Teenage Boy and Girl with a Viewer for an Optique Picture (Nozoki-karakuri); Kōbō Daishi’s Poem on the Jewel River of Kōya (Kōya no Tamagawa: Kōbō Daishi) 1778 - 1798

This *ukiyo-e* woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu, created between 1778 and 1798, depicts two young women enjoying a leisurely afternoon in a traditional Japanese setting. The print, titled *A Teenage Boy and Girl with a Viewer for an Optique Picture (Nozoki-karakuri); Kōbō Daishi’s Poem on the Jewel River of Kōya (Kōya no Tamagawa: Kōbō Daishi)*, showcases the artist's signature use of soft, delicate colors and detailed patterns, particularly in the women's elaborate kimonos. The intricate details of the scene, such as the blossoming cherry branch and the *nozoki-karakuri* (a type of optical illusion device), add to the overall sense of refinement and tranquility. This charming and visually captivating print reflects the Edo period's fascination with beauty and leisure.