Essays over gemakzucht c. 1822

"Essays over gemakzucht" (c. 1822) is a woodblock print by renowned Japanese artist Totoya Hokkei (1790–1850) currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. This artwork features a detailed and realistic depiction of a fish, possibly a tuna, presented on a patterned plate with delicate iris flowers, a common motif in Japanese art. Hokkei's masterful use of fine lines and subtle shading gives the fish a sense of life, while the intricate details of the plate and flowers add elegance to the composition. The inclusion of Japanese characters in the background further emphasizes the cultural context of the piece. This print exemplifies Hokkei's skill in capturing the beauty of nature and the cultural significance of objects within a Japanese aesthetic.