Rat en kom met adonis c. 1828

This woodblock print entitled, "Rat and pot with adonis," was created by Totoya Hokkei in Japan in the early 19th century. Look at the cultural associations in this image: the rat and the pot of Adonis. The rat in Japanese culture is a symbol of resourcefulness, wit, and wealth, while the Adonis plant represents spring and rebirth. Together, these images might convey a message about renewal and good fortune. The printmaker may have been making commentary on a new era for Japanese society. There is an institutional history we can also draw on to give the image meaning: woodblock prints were a popular and accessible art form during this period, often used to depict scenes from everyday life. This print uses symbols from Japanese culture to comment on themes such as renewal, prosperity, and the changing times. To understand this print further, we can research Japanese folklore, the symbolism of animals, and the cultural significance of plants. In doing so, we come to understand art's place within cultural and historical contexts.