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

Suzuki Harunobu created this woodblock print, titled "The Introduction (Miai)," sometime between 1725 and 1770. The lantern, held by the woman, stands out as a symbol laden with cultural significance. The lantern, deeply rooted in various cultures, goes beyond mere illumination, often embodying guidance, hope, and the dispelling of darkness. The ancient Greeks also used lanterns in religious festivals to honor gods and goddesses. Similarly, in some cultures, the lantern symbolizes the guiding light of ancestors, connecting the living with the spiritual realm. Consider how these motifs migrate through time, transforming yet retaining a kernel of their original essence. What surfaces here is the enduring human need for guidance and connection, mirrored across epochs. The image evokes a powerful sense of anticipation and emotional investment. It transcends time, echoing the universal hope for a bright future. This print reminds us that the symbols we create are never truly new but are echoes of our collective past.