Two Women in a Garden 1779 - 1799

This woodblock print, titled "Two Women in a Garden", was created by Torii Kiyonaga. The lantern carried by one of the women is more than just a practical object; it is a potent symbol. The lantern motif appears across cultures—from Japanese tea gardens to European festivals—suggesting a universal human need for illumination, both literal and metaphorical. The soft glow it emits speaks to hidden realms and inner truths. One cannot ignore the similarity with depictions of Psyche, the goddess, with her lamp. Over time, the lantern has taken on different meanings, evolving from a beacon of hope in dark times to a symbol of celebration and remembrance. Observe how the lantern draws the eye and engages us on a deeply rooted level. It's a visual echo resonating from our collective past. This simple object evokes feelings of warmth, mystery, and introspection, a powerful force connecting us to shared cultural memories.