Prosperity of the Family 1790

This diptych, *Prosperity of the Family*, was made as a woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunchō in Japan. It represents the family unit engaged in scholarly pursuits. The act of writing, seen here with women and children practicing calligraphy, has been a potent symbol across cultures. In ancient Egypt, scribes held immense power, their ability to record and preserve knowledge seen as almost divine. We find echoes of this reverence in medieval Europe, where monks meticulously copied manuscripts, preserving not only texts but also the very idea of continuity. The arrangement of the figures, each absorbed in their work, evokes a sense of harmony and shared purpose, tapping into our collective desire for familial connection and legacy. This scene transcends its specific time and place, resonating with universal human values.