Een serie van schelpen
1821
Medium
nishikie, with metallic pigments and blindprinting
Dimensions
204; 174
About this artwork
height 204 mm x width 174 mm
Art Historical Context
**Een serie van schelpen (A Series of Shells *Totoya Hokkei, 1821* *Nishikie woodblock with metallic pigments and blind, 204 × 174 mm* Created by Totoya Hokkei, a Japanese ukiyo-e artist and pupil of the legendary Katsushika Hokusai, *Een serie van schelpen* dates to 1821 during Japan's Edo period. This intimate print captures a delicate series of seashells, reflecting the ukiyo-e tradition of celebrating the fleeting beauty of nature amid urban life's "floating world." Hokkei's precise lines and harmonious compositions echo his master's innovative style, blending realism with poetic eleg...
About the Artist
Totoya Hokkei · 1780–1850
Totoya Hokkei (魚屋 北渓, 1780–1850), born Iwakubo Tatsuyuki in Edo (modern Tokyo), began his life as a humble fishmonger in the Yotsuya Samegahashi district, a trade reflected in his art name "Totoya," meaning fish shop. He transitioned to art through rigorous training, first studying under Kanō Yōsen'in Korenobu, head of the Kobikichō branch of the prestigious Kanō school, where he honed landscape p...