The Twelfth Month, circa 1767 - Charming scene of young boys cleaning house for the New Year from a series pairing children with activities in the twelve months. The boys are enacting a custom called giving the master of the house the "bumps" or throwing him in the air. In some households, once the cleaning was over, the servants would take the master by the arms and legs and toss him up. Two of the children wear what looks like paper hats with writing on them, and a broom and sandals rest on the floor nearby. On the porch outside, another boy sits on a pile of mats, raising his hands in the air as if he, too, were being given bumps. Snow blankets a pine tree and a willow beyond. An amusing design with wonderful detail.

Artist - Toyomasa (active circa 1770s)

Image Size - 9 1/4" x 7 3/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Backed with paper. Small loss, repaired with backing. Toning. Please see photos for details.