The Seventh Month, from the series The Twelve Months by Two Artists (Ryoga juni ko) n.d.

This triptych, "The Seventh Month," was crafted by Utagawa Toyohiro, and presents a snapshot of Edo-period life through the lens of seasonal activity. The composition unfolds across three panels, balanced between the outdoor bustle on the left and the quieter indoor scene on the right, linked by the central panel featuring the Tanabata festival preparations. The cool greens and blues of the women's kimonos and the natural landscape contrast with the warm reds and pinks that punctuate the scene. The linear elements such as the bamboo scaffolding and wooden structure, intersect at various angles, creating a dynamic, structured space. This organization invites us to consider the spatial relations and how figures interact within them. The women engaged in festival rituals, embody a blend of aesthetic beauty and cultural practice. The triptych’s function as part of "The Twelve Months" series suggests a structural exploration of time. Each panel capturing a fleeting moment, contributes to a larger narrative about the cyclical nature of life and seasonal change.