A Man Slaying a Monster Carp with a Sword - Totoya Hokkei

A refined woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei, depicting a warrior in a dramatic struggle with a giant carp, characteristic of the Edo period surimono style.

This 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.

The 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.

Hokkei’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.