The Second Month 1757 - 1777

Ishikawa Toyomasa created this woodblock print, “The Second Month,” now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The composition immediately presents a dynamic scene with figures arranged in a seemingly chaotic yet deliberate manner. The use of line, color, and form work together to direct the viewer's eye and create an emotional response that hovers between amusement and curiosity. The figures, rendered with flat planes of color and bold outlines, occupy a shallow space, typical of ukiyo-e prints. This compression of space encourages a focus on the surface patterns and the interplay of shapes rather than a deep illusionistic perspective. The dominant diagonal lines formed by the figures in motion add to the sense of instability and energy. Toyomasa employs a semiotic system of signs to convey cultural meanings. The torii gate in the background, for example, symbolizes a transition from the mundane to the sacred, while the garments worn by the figures denote status and role within society. Through his control of form, Toyomasa invites us to explore the layers of meaning embedded in this visually engaging print. The artwork functions as a site for ongoing interpretation.