Hanagai akagai masuogai
1821
Medium
nishikie, with metallic pigments, blindprinting and embossing
Dimensions
206; 183
About this artwork
height 206 mm x width 183 mm
Art Historical Context
**Hanagai akagai masuogai** by Totoya Hokkei, created in 1821, the delicate beauty of seashells—likely including the flower clam (*hanagai*), ark shell (*akagai*), and box clam (*masuogai*)—in a compact format measuring just 206 mm high by 183 mm wide. Hokkei, a prominent ukiyo-e artist and pupil of the legendary Katsushika Hokusai, was renowned for his meticulous depictions of nature, blending precision with poetic elegance during Japan's Edo period. Printed as a *nishikie* (brocade picture), this woodblock print showcases luxurious techniques like metallic pigments for shimmering effects, b...
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...