Ro-Chi-Shin Uprooting a Tree - Totoya Hokkei

A classic Ukiyo-e woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei depicting the legendary monk Ro-Chi-Shin demonstrating his immense strength by uprooting a willow tree.

This woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei depicts the legendary monk Ro-Chi-Shin, a character from the Chinese classic novel 'Water Margin' (Suikoden). The scene captures the moment of immense physical exertion as the monk uproots a willow tree with his bare hands. Hokkei, a student of Katsushika Hokusai, employs the refined techniques characteristic of surimono, which were privately commissioned prints often exchanged among poetry circles.

The composition is dominated by the diagonal thrust of the tree trunk, which creates a sense of dynamic tension against the monk's muscular form. Ro-Chi-Shin is shown with his characteristic floral-patterned tattoo on his shoulder, a detail that adds visual texture to the figure. The colour palette is restrained, utilising muted earth tones and deep blues to focus attention on the physical struggle. The inclusion of calligraphic text within a yellow cartouche provides context, typical of the literary nature of these prints.

Hokkei demonstrates a mastery of line and form, balancing the raw power of the subject with the delicate precision required for high-quality woodblock printing. The print reflects the popularity of Suikoden imagery in nineteenth-century Japan, where tales of heroic outlaws resonated with the public. The figure's posture, with his feet firmly planted and muscles strained, conveys the weight and resistance of the tree. This work exemplifies the technical sophistication of the surimono format, where the quality of paper and the application of pigments were of the highest order. The print remains a clear example of how Japanese artists interpreted classical literature through the lens of their own stylistic traditions, prioritising narrative clarity and expressive characterisation.