The First Month c. 1793

"The First Month" is a woodblock print by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, created around 1793. The print depicts two women in traditional Japanese dress, with one leaning against a tree branch, possibly a pine, while the other kneels at her feet. It is part of the *Hokusai Manga* series, a collection of sketches, drawings, and prints that showcase Hokusai's versatile artistic style. The *Hokusai Manga* series was influential and helped to popularize ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that depicted everyday life, landscapes, and popular entertainment. The vibrant colors and detailed textures of "The First Month" are characteristic of Hokusai's later ukiyo-e works.