Tachibana no Hayanari preparing to make the first writing of the New Year - Totoya Hokkei

A refined woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei depicting the calligrapher Tachibana no Hayanari preparing for the New Year.

This woodblock print, a surimono by Totoya Hokkei, depicts the historical figure Tachibana no Hayanari, a renowned calligrapher of the Heian period. The scene captures a moment of preparation for the first calligraphy of the New Year, a tradition known as kakizome. Hokkei, a student of Katsushika Hokusai, demonstrates his mastery of the surimono format, which was typically commissioned by poetry clubs for private distribution. The composition is balanced, featuring Hayanari seated in formal court attire, holding a brush, while an attendant prepares an inkstone in the foreground.

The print exhibits the technical refinement characteristic of the surimono genre. The use of colour is restrained, relying on subtle earth tones and muted pigments to convey a sense of quiet dignity. The patterns on the garments are rendered with precision, reflecting the high production standards of these private commissions. The inclusion of calligraphic text in the upper left corner integrates the literary and visual elements, a common feature in Edo-period prints that celebrate the intersection of poetry and art. The spatial arrangement is relatively flat, prioritising the decorative quality of the robes and the arrangement of writing materials over three-dimensional depth.

Totoya Hokkei was active during the early 19th century and is recognised for his contributions to the development of the surimono style. His work often features historical or literary subjects, rendered with a focus on clarity and elegance. This print serves as an example of the sophisticated aesthetic favoured by the literati of the period. The attention to detail, from the texture of the paper scrolls to the specific patterns on the textiles, provides insight into the cultural practices of the time. The print remains a representative piece of the refined output produced by Hokkei during his career.