Housecleaning (Susuhaki) c. 1797 - 1799

Curator: This print, "Housecleaning (Susuhaki)" by Kitagawa Utamaro, from the Late Edo period, presents a glimpse into domestic life. The Harvard Art Museums holds this work. Editor: The dominant color palette of mauve, pale yellow, and deep red gives it a subdued, yet vibrant feel. I'm drawn to the intricate use of line. Curator: Indeed. Everyday tasks become charged with meaning through Utamaro's lens. The lantern motif, for example, is an archetypal emblem of transience, nodding to the fleeting nature of beauty and existence. Editor: I agree. The composition is deceptively complex, with the objects arranged in a deliberately asymmetrical manner. The vertical lines of the bamboo contrast with the more organic pattern of the kimono. Curator: Absolutely. And consider the intimate setting. There's a sense of voyeurism as we witness these women performing their duties, subtly revealing the social dynamics and roles within their world. Editor: To me, the materiality of the print itself is captivating, the way the ink lies on the paper, creating depth and texture. I appreciate the layering, the spatial relationships. Curator: By observing the mundane, we reflect on the beauty of impermanence. Editor: The careful arrangement emphasizes the profound impact of formal elements.