Two women gathering herbs c. early 1830s

This Japanese woodblock print, made by Katsushika Taito II, captures two women gathering herbs, activities deeply rooted in cultural and medicinal practices. Note the baskets, symbols of harvest and provision, echoed in countless agrarian societies throughout history. These humble objects take on a powerful resonance when considered alongside the motif of the gatherer. We see echoes of this archetypal figure in ancient Greek depictions of nymphs collecting herbs, their knowledge intertwined with the mysteries of nature. Even in medieval tapestries of the ‘hunt of the unicorn,’ maidens use their botanical wisdom to capture the elusive creature. Through our collective memory, these visual associations evoke a sense of ritual and the enduring connection between humanity and the natural world. The image engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, calling us back to a primal understanding of nature's bounty and the power of ancient knowledge. This print serves as a reminder that symbols evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.