De plevier schelp

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

**De Plevier Schelp (The Plover Shell)** *by Katsushika Hokus, 1821* Step into the vibrant world of ukiyo-e with Katsushika Hokus's *De Plevier Sche*, a exquisite woodblock print from 1821. Hokusai, the legendary Japanese artist renowned for his dynamic landscapes and everyday scenes, captures the delicate beauty of a plover shell in this intimate study. Created during his prolific middle period, this work reflects the ukiyo-e tradition of "pictures of the floating world," celebrating nature's fleeting wonders amid Japan's Edo era (1603–1868), a time of cultural flourishing under strict social hierarchies. Measuring just 206 × 180 mm, this *nishikie*—or "brocade picture"—showcases Hokusai's mastery of multicolored woodblock printing. Enhanced with metallic pigments and *tsuyazuri* (a glossy mica technique), the shell shimmers with lifelike iridescence, mimicking its natural luster and elevating the print to a luxurious art form. These innovations made ukiyo-e accessible yet opulent, popular among merchants and collectors. The verso bears a collector's mark (Lugt 2228), underscoring its esteemed provenance and enduring appeal. This small gem highlights Hokusai's keen observation of nature, bridging art and science in a style that influenced global Impressionists like Monet. A perfect reminder of beauty in the everyday!

About the Artist

Katsushika Hokusai · 1760–1849

Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) stands as one of history's most influential artists, a Japanese master who revolutionized the ukiyo-e woodblock print tradition and profoundly shaped Western art. Born in the Katsushika district of Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to an artisan family, Hokusai lived through nearly nine decades of extraordinary creative evolution, adopting over thirty different artistic names t...