Young Women Playing Kitsune-ken (Fox Game) 1768 - 1769

This 1768-1769 woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu depicts three young women playing a game called “Kitsune-ken” (Fox Game) – a popular pastime in Edo-era Japan. The print, considered a medium-size example, is a vivid portrayal of daily life in Edo, showcasing the fashion and social activities of women. The graceful figures and elegant details, such as the floral patterns on their kimonos and the delicate blossoming tree, illustrate Harunobu's mastery of the ukiyo-e style, capturing the fleeting beauty of the world. The image is now part of the permanent collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.