Bowl of Water with Tiny Boatman Floating c. 1830s

"Bowl of Water with Tiny Boatman Floating" is a uchiwa-e (fan painting) by Japanese artist Yamada Hōgyoku, created in the 1830s. The painting features a delicate bowl of water with a tiny boatman floating on a leaf, surrounded by irises and water plants. The artist's signature and seal appear in the lower right corner. This whimsical depiction of a miniature world captured in a single bowl demonstrates Hōgyoku’s mastery of detail and playful perspective. Hōgyoku’s work often incorporated everyday objects in unexpected ways, creating a unique and captivating world for the viewer.