The Actor Segawa Kikunojo II as the courtesan Umegae in the play "Hiragana Seisuiki," performed at the Ichimura Theater in the first month, 1764 1764

Suzuki Harunobu created this woodblock print in 1764, depicting the actor Segawa Kikunojo II. The actor embodies Umegae, a courtesan, holding a lacquered tray, standing serenely. Overhead, we see a wind chime, a symbol deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Japan, representing the transient nature of life and the delicate balance of existence. The wind chime appears across cultures, from ancient Rome, where tintinnabula protected from evil spirits, to East Asia, where they’re thought to bring good fortune. As a symbol of impermanence, the wind chime stirs subconscious awareness of mortality and change, reflecting the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms. The actor is captured mid-performance and this is preserved in this single moment, engaging us in a dialogue across time. The chime, in its gentle resonance, echoes the actor's emotional performance, creating a powerful connection.