Het is goed om voor het eerst weer te schrijven
ca. 1822
Medium
nishikie, with metallic pigments
Dimensions
203; 176
About this artwork
nishikie, with metallic pigments
Art Historical Context
**Totoya Hokkei's "Het is goed om voor eerst weer te schrijven"ca. 1822)** This charming nishikie wood print by Totoya Hokkei, a prominent Japanese ukiyo-e artist and pupil of the famed Katsushika Hokusai, captures a moment of rediscovered joy in writing. Measuring just 203mm by 176mm, its intimate scale suits the surimono tradition—luxurious, privately commissioned prints often exchanged as New Year's greetings among literati. The title, translating from Dutch as "It is good to write again for the first time," evokes the delight of resuming a cherished activity, likely depicting a figure eng...
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...