Sake cup and fan

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the Arts of Asia gallery, where we encounter *Sake Cup and Fan*, a delicate color woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei the early 19th century. Hokkei, a ukiyo-e artist pupil of the legendary Katsushika Hokusai, mastered the intimate genre of *surimono*—privately commissioned prints produced in limited editions for elite patrons, often as New Year's greetings. Measuring just 21 × 12.4 cm, this compact work exemplifies the precision of Japanese woodblock printing, where intricate blocks were carved and inked in multiple colors for a luxurious, embossed effect. In Edo-period Japan (1603–1868), *surimono* like this one blended artistry with poetry, frequently featuring everyday objects elevated to poetic symbols. The sake cup evokes convivial rituals and fleeting pleasures central to Japanese social life, while the fan hints at seasonal elegance and utility in a hot climate. Hokkei's composition likely showcases his talent for subtle shading (*bokashi*) and metallic pigments, creating a sense of refined tranquility amid ordinary items. This print, now in the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, highlights ukiyo-e's democratic appeal—art for the discerning eye, bridging elite commissions with broader cultural appreciation. A charming reminder of Japan's "floating world," it invites you to savor the beauty in simplicity!

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...