Ono no Tofu, from the series A Gathering of the Elders of Poetry - Totoya Hokkei

A refined surimono woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei, depicting a figure with a shamisen amidst traditional New Year symbols.

This woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei belongs to the genre of surimono, which were privately commissioned prints often exchanged among members of poetry circles. As a student of Katsushika Hokusai, Hokkei adopted a refined approach to composition and colour, which is evident in the delicate lines and balanced arrangement of this work. The print features a figure identified as Ono no Tofu, a historical calligrapher from the Heian period, depicted here in a stylised manner typical of the Edo period.

The subject is shown holding a shamisen, a three-stringed musical instrument, while seated beside a box containing a lobster and pine branches. These items are traditional symbols associated with the Japanese New Year, suggesting that this print was produced for a seasonal celebration or a poetry gathering held during the winter months. The inclusion of calligraphic text in the upper portion of the print provides context for the specific poetic theme or the identity of the commissioning group.

Technically, the print demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship associated with surimono. The use of subtle colour gradients and the precise registration of the woodblocks allow for a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. The figure's kimono features a repeating floral motif, which adds a decorative quality to the composition without overwhelming the central subject. The muted palette, dominated by soft earth tones and touches of red, reflects the sophisticated tastes of the literati who commissioned such works. This print offers a glimpse into the intersection of visual art, music, and literature in nineteenth-century Japan, capturing a moment of cultural exchange within a private social setting.