The Seventh Month 1757 - 1777

Ishikawa Toyomasa created this woodblock print, "The Seventh Month," in the late 18th century. During this period, art often depicted the lives of everyday people, reflecting a growing interest in popular culture and entertainment, like the delight these children find in a shadow lantern. The print portrays a group of children gathered around a large andon, a paper-covered lamp. The shadows cast upon the lantern's surface transform the room into a theater of imagination. We are invited to reflect on childhood – how it transcends time and culture through the universal languages of play and wonder. The children's engagement is a reminder of the importance of storytelling and shared experiences in shaping our understanding of the world. By focusing on the intimacy of domestic life, Toyomasa highlights the emotional bonds and cultural values passed down through generations. This scene of children captivated by the andon encourages us to value the simple joys and human connections that enrich our lives.