A refined Japanese surimono woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei, depicting a lacquer food box and wine goblet prepared for a New Year's celebration.

This 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.

Hokkei 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.