{"title":"Hokkei","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"two-men-under-a-pine-tree-totoya-hokkei","title":"Two Men Under a Pine Tree - Totoya Hokkei","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined Japanese surimono woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei, depicting two figures beneath a pine tree with poetic inscriptions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei is a fine example of a surimono, a genre of privately commissioned prints often exchanged among poets and art enthusiasts in Edo-period Japan. Unlike commercial prints produced for the mass market, surimono were typically printed on high-quality paper with sophisticated techniques, including metallic pigments and embossing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this composition, two figures are positioned beneath a pine tree, a common motif in Japanese art representing longevity and resilience. One man gestures toward a large, stylised red sun that dominates the horizon, while the other sits nearby. The scene is accompanied by calligraphic inscriptions, which are characteristic of the surimono format. These texts often include kyōka, a form of humorous or satirical waka poetry, which adds a layer of literary meaning to the visual imagery. The artist, a student of Katsushika Hokusai, demonstrates a refined approach to line and space, balancing the figures with the natural elements of the tree and the water. The palette is restrained, relying on subtle washes and the stark contrast of the red sun to create a sense of quiet contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurimono prints were intended for a knowledgeable audience, and the inclusion of poetry suggests this work was likely created for a poetry circle or a special occasion. The technical execution reflects the high standards of the period, with delicate lines defining the figures and the texture of the pine bark. This print captures a moment of stillness, inviting the viewer to engage with both the visual narrative and the poetic context provided by the calligraphy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mountains-and-rivers-along-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMountains and Rivers Along the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/actor-nakamura-nakazo-as-an-otokodate-katsukawa-shunko\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eActor Nakamura Nakazō as an Otokodate - Katsukawa Shunkō — Katsukawa Shunkō\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hokkei","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485357510991,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485359771983,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485359804751,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485359837519,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485359870287,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485359903055,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485359935823,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485359968591,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485360001359,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485360034127,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485360066895,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485360099663,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Two-Men-Under-a-Pine-Tree_Poster_CompositorV1_1786362080215.jpg?v=1786839670"},{"product_id":"seal-stone-and-seal-ink-with-peacock-feathers-totoya-hokkei","title":"Seal-stone and Seal-ink with Peacock Feathers - Totoya Hokkei","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei, featuring a still-life of scholar's objects from the Spring Rain Surimono Album.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print originates from the Harusame surimono-jō, or Spring Rain Surimono Album, a collection of private commissions by the artist Totoya Hokkei. Surimono prints were produced for a discerning audience of poets and collectors, often featuring a combination of refined imagery and kyōka, a form of humorous or playful waka poetry. Hokkei, a student of Katsushika Hokusai, adopted his teacher's attention to detail while maintaining a distinct focus on the material culture of the Edo period literati.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition presents a still-life arrangement of scholar's objects, including a seal-stone and a vessel for seal-ink, accompanied by peacock feathers. The inclusion of these items suggests a connection to the world of calligraphy and literary pursuit. The print demonstrates the technical sophistication of the era, utilising subtle colour gradients and precise registration to achieve a tactile quality. The paper texture and the integration of calligraphic text are characteristic of the surimono format, where the visual and the literary exist in a balanced dialogue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike standard commercial prints, surimono were not mass-produced for the general public. They were printed on high-quality paper with expensive pigments, often incorporating metallic dust or embossing to create a luxurious finish. This specific work reflects the aesthetic values of the period, where the depiction of everyday objects was elevated through artistic craft. The arrangement of the seal-stone and feathers invites the viewer to consider the quiet, intellectual life of the owner. The print remains a record of the collaborative nature of Japanese printmaking, where the artist, poet, and carver worked in concert to produce a singular object for private circulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/nihonbashi-morning-scene-utagawa-hiroshige-1\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eNihonbashi: Morning Scene - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/lantern-float-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eLantern Float - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hokkei","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485377761615,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485380448591,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485380481359,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485380514127,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485380546895,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485380579663,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485380612431,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485380645199,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485380677967,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485380710735,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485380743503,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485380776271,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Seal-stone-and-Seal-ink-with-Peacock-Feathers_Poster_CompositorV1_1786362846774.jpg?v=1786840383"},{"product_id":"courtesan-with-branch-of-plum-blossoms-totoya-hokkei","title":"Courtesan with Branch of Plum Blossoms - Totoya Hokkei","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei, featuring a courtesan with plum blossoms and a goat scroll, characteristic of the surimono genre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei depicts a courtesan in a moment of quiet observation. She holds a delicate branch of plum blossoms, a motif frequently associated with the transition from winter to spring in Japanese art. The figure is dressed in a layered kimono, with the dark outer garment contrasting against the blue inner robes and the patterned obi. Her hair is styled with numerous pins, a detail that identifies her status within the pleasure quarters of Edo period Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo the right, a hanging scroll features a goat, adding an element of symbolic interest to the composition. The print includes calligraphic text, which is typical of surimono, a genre of privately commissioned prints often exchanged among poets and artists. These works were produced with high-quality materials and refined printing techniques, allowing for subtle colour gradients and precise line work. Hokkei, a student of Katsushika Hokusai, was particularly known for his contributions to this sophisticated medium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is balanced, with the figure positioned in the lower left and the vertical scroll providing a counterpoint on the right. The negative space is utilised to draw attention to the calligraphic inscriptions, which provide context for the imagery. The colour palette is restrained, relying on deep blues, muted earth tones, and the natural paper ground to create a sense of harmony. This print offers a glimpse into the aesthetic preferences of the literati circles of the early nineteenth century, where visual art and poetry were closely linked. The attention to detail in the textile patterns and the expressive posture of the courtesan demonstrate the technical skill involved in the production of these limited-edition prints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/nihonbashi-morning-scene-utagawa-hiroshige-1\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eNihonbashi: Morning Scene - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/lantern-float-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eLantern Float - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hokkei","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485378220367,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485380874575,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485380907343,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485380940111,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485380972879,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485381005647,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485381038415,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485381071183,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485381103951,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485381136719,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485381169487,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485381202255,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Courtesan-with-Branch-of-Plum-Blossoms_Poster_CompositorV1_1786363086092.jpg?v=1786840395"},{"product_id":"vase-and-kitchen-knife-totoya-hokkei","title":"Vase and Kitchen Knife - Totoya Hokkei","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined Japanese surimono woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei, featuring a decorative vessel and a knife, accompanied by elegant calligraphy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei is a fine example of surimono, a genre of privately commissioned prints often exchanged among poets and art enthusiasts in Edo-period Japan. Unlike commercial prints produced for mass consumption, surimono were created with high-quality materials, including metallic pigments and complex embossing techniques, to demonstrate the sophistication of the patron and the skill of the artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition features a dark, rounded vessel decorated with a subtle floral motif, positioned beside a simple kitchen knife and a sprig of greenery. The arrangement is sparse, adhering to the aesthetic of negative space common in Japanese art. The dark tones of the vessel contrast with the pale, textured paper, while the inclusion of calligraphic text integrates the visual elements with literary content. This integration of poetry and image was a hallmark of the surimono tradition, where the text often provides context or thematic depth to the objects depicted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotoya Hokkei, a student of Katsushika Hokusai, was known for his technical precision and his ability to capture the texture of everyday objects. In this work, the artist focuses on the interplay between the functional nature of the knife and the decorative quality of the vessel. The print reflects the cultural climate of the time, where the appreciation of mundane items through the lens of poetry and refined artistic production was a common pursuit among the literati. The muted colour palette and the balance of the composition create a sense of quietude, typical of the refined tastes of the period's urban elite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mountains-and-rivers-along-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMountains and Rivers Along the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/actor-nakamura-nakazo-as-an-otokodate-katsukawa-shunko\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eActor Nakamura Nakazō as an Otokodate - Katsukawa Shunkō — Katsukawa Shunkō\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hokkei","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485563654479,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485572895055,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485572927823,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485572960591,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485572993359,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485573026127,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485573058895,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485573091663,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485573124431,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485573157199,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485573189967,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485573222735,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Vase-and-Kitchen-Knife_Poster_CompositorV1_1786365726335.jpg?v=1786842626"},{"product_id":"wine-goblet-and-lacquer-food-box-with-new-year-s-meal-totoya-hokkei","title":"Wine Goblet and Lacquer Food Box with New Year’s Meal - Totoya Hokkei","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined Japanese surimono woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei, depicting a lacquer food box and wine goblet prepared for a New Year's celebration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei belongs to the genre of surimono, a form of privately commissioned, limited-edition print often exchanged among poets and artists in Edo-period Japan. Surimono were produced with high-quality materials, including metallic pigments and embossing, to demonstrate the technical skill of the carver and printer. This specific work depicts a lacquer food box, partially open to reveal a New Year's meal, accompanied by a stemmed wine goblet. The composition is sparse, focusing on the textures of the lacquerware and the delicate contents of the meal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHokkei was a student of Katsushika Hokusai, and his work often reflects the refined aesthetic sensibilities of the literati circles he frequented. The inclusion of calligraphy on the left side of the print suggests that this piece was likely created for a poetry gathering or a seasonal celebration. The use of soft, muted tones and the precise rendering of the objects demonstrate the characteristic restraint found in high-quality surimono. The print avoids the dramatic action often associated with commercial ukiyo-e, opting instead for a quiet, contemplative observation of domestic objects. The subtle application of colour and the clean lines define the forms, allowing the viewer to appreciate the craftsmanship of the depicted items. This print serves as an example of the sophisticated visual culture of the nineteenth-century Japanese urban elite, where the appreciation of everyday objects was elevated through poetry and artistic representation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mountains-and-rivers-along-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMountains and Rivers Along the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/actor-nakamura-nakazo-as-an-otokodate-katsukawa-shunko\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eActor Nakamura Nakazō as an Otokodate - Katsukawa Shunkō — Katsukawa Shunkō\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hokkei","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485590360399,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485600584015,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485600616783,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485600649551,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485600682319,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485600715087,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485600747855,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485600780623,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485600813391,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485600846159,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485600878927,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485600911695,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Wine-Goblet-and-Lacquer-Food-Box-with-New-Year-s-Meal_Poster_CompositorV1_1786366085974.jpg?v=1786843143"},{"product_id":"urashima-taro-going-home-on-the-back-of-a-tai-fish-the-king-of-the-sea-seeing-him-off-totoya-hokkei","title":"Urashima Taro Going Home on the Back of a Tai Fish, the King of the Sea Seeing Him Off - Totoya Hokkei","description":"\u003cp\u003eA fine surimono woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei depicting the legendary fisherman Urashima Taro departing the undersea palace on the back of a giant fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei depicts a scene from the Japanese folktale of Urashima Taro. The narrative follows a fisherman who, after saving a turtle, is taken to the undersea palace of the Dragon King. In this composition, Taro is shown departing the underwater realm, riding upon the back of a large tai fish (sea bream). The Dragon King stands upon the waves, gesturing a farewell to his guest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHokkei, a student of Katsushika Hokusai, was a master of the surimono format. These prints were privately commissioned, often for poetry circles, and were produced with high-quality materials and printing techniques. The work displays the characteristic refinement of the genre, with delicate line work and a subtle application of colour. The waves are rendered with rhythmic, repetitive patterns that suggest movement without disrupting the overall balance of the image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe figures are dressed in elaborate robes, reflecting the fantastical nature of the undersea setting. The tai fish is depicted with a degree of stylisation, its scales and fins contributing to the decorative quality of the print. The inclusion of calligraphic text in the upper left corner is typical of surimono, where the image and the accompanying poem form a unified aesthetic experience. This print captures a moment of transition in the story, balancing the mythological subject matter with the technical precision expected of early nineteenth-century Japanese printmaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/mountains-and-rivers-along-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMountains and Rivers Along the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/wine-pot-and-cup-ryuryukyo-shinsai\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eWine Pot and Cup - Ryūryūkyo Shinsai — Ryūryūkyo Shinsai\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hokkei","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485753807183,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485760000335,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485760033103,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485760065871,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485760098639,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485760131407,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485760164175,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485760196943,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485760229711,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485760262479,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485760295247,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485760328015,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Urashima-Taro-Going-Home-on-the-Back-of-a-Tai-Fish-the-King-of-the-Sea-Seeing-Him-Off_Poster_CompositorV1_1786368846209.jpg?v=1786845640"},{"product_id":"candles-of-aizu-totoya-hokkei","title":"Candles of Aizu - Totoya Hokkei","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined surimono woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei, depicting traditional Aizu candles with delicate floral patterns and accompanying poetry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei belongs to the genre of surimono, which were privately commissioned works often exchanged among poets and connoisseurs. Hokkei, a student of Katsushika Hokusai, became a master of this refined format. The composition depicts the specialised candles produced in the Aizu region, presented within their storage boxes. The artist employs a delicate touch, focusing on the material qualities of the objects: the patterned paper wrapping, the wooden texture of the boxes, and the stylised floral motifs adorning the candles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurimono prints are characterised by their high production quality, frequently utilising expensive pigments, metallic powders, and embossing techniques. In this piece, the balance between the calligraphic text and the still-life arrangement is precise. The poem integrated into the design suggests a seasonal association, likely referencing spring through the floral imagery. The composition avoids excessive clutter, allowing the viewer to appreciate the subtle geometry of the boxes and the rhythmic repetition of the patterns on the candle wrappers. The use of muted, earthy tones combined with soft reds creates a sense of understated elegance typical of the Edo period's sophisticated urban culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHokkei demonstrates his technical skill through the clean lines and the careful placement of the objects within the pictorial space. The print serves as a record of regional craft, elevating a utilitarian object into a subject of aesthetic contemplation. By focusing on the specificities of the Aizu candles, the artist invites the viewer to consider the intersection of daily life and artistic expression. This print remains a fine example of the collaborative nature of surimono, where visual art and literature function as a single, unified experience for the recipient.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/nihonbashi-morning-scene-utagawa-hiroshige-1\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eNihonbashi: Morning Scene - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/lantern-float-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eLantern Float - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hokkei","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485950808399,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485953003855,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485953036623,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485953069391,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485953102159,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485953134927,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485953167695,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485953200463,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485953233231,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485953265999,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485953298767,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485953331535,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Candles-of-Aizu_Poster_CompositorV1_1786370046467.jpg?v=1786846881"},{"product_id":"a-man-slaying-a-monster-carp-with-a-sword-totoya-hokkei","title":"A Man Slaying a Monster Carp with a Sword - Totoya Hokkei","description":"\u003cp\u003eA refined woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei, depicting a warrior in a dramatic struggle with a giant carp, characteristic of the Edo period surimono style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei depicts a dramatic struggle between a warrior and a giant carp. Hokkei, a student of Katsushika Hokusai, was a master of the surimono format. These prints were privately commissioned, often for poetry circles, and are characterised by their high production quality, including the use of metallic pigments and embossing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition captures the dynamic tension of the encounter. The warrior, dressed in patterned robes, wields a short sword while mounted upon the back of the massive fish. The carp is rendered with precise scales and a formidable, wide-eyed expression. The surrounding water is depicted through stylised, swirling lines that suggest movement without overwhelming the central figures. A cartouche in the upper left corner contains calligraphic text, typical of the surimono tradition where image and verse were closely integrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHokkei’s work demonstrates a refined approach to colour and line. The palette is restrained, relying on muted tones of grey, ochre, and deep red to create a sense of balance. The fine lines of the warrior’s clothing contrast with the broader, more rhythmic patterns of the water and the fish’s scales. This print reflects the technical sophistication of the Edo period, where artists pushed the boundaries of woodblock printing to create works of exceptional detail and artistic merit. The focus remains on the narrative action, presented with the clarity and precision expected of a master printmaker of the era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/wind-blown-grass-across-the-moon-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eWind Blown Grass Across the Moon - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/lantern-float-kitagawa-utamaro\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eLantern Float - Kitagawa Utamaro — Kitagawa Utamaro\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hokkei","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485964079439,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485966045519,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58485966078287,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485966111055,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485966143823,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485966176591,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485966209359,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485966242127,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485966274895,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58485966307663,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58485966340431,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58485966373199,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/A-Man-Slaying-a-Monster-Carp-with-a-Sword_Poster_CompositorV1_1786370647203.jpg?v=1786847313"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/collections\/hokkei.oembed","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}