Right Team c. early 1830s

print, ink, color-on-paper

childish illustration

water colours

pastel soft colours

print

collage layering style

japan

handmade artwork painting

historical fashion

ink

color-on-paper

wedding around the world

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

watercolor

"Right Team" (c. early 1830s) is a woodblock print by Japanese artist Totoya Hokkei (1790-1850), known for his vibrant colors and meticulous detail. The artwork depicts two figures, possibly a couple, engaged in a playful game of "ken-ken" (Japanese children's game played with stones). The woman, adorned in a striking patterned kimono, appears to be stepping back as the man bends down to pick up a stone, revealing a richly textured and colorful kimono beneath his outer garment. The print's overall composition is balanced and dynamic, capturing a moment of casual interaction in the Edo period. The piece's rich colors, intricate designs, and captivating storytelling showcase Hokkei’s mastery of the ukiyo-e style.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

⋮

This print was commissioned by a private poetry society to commemorate the New Year. Since they were lavishly funded and for only limited distribution to the society's members, print designers and printers devoted special care to their production. Here, a man holds a branch decorated with colored balls made from rice gluten. Since the balls resemble cocoons, the decoration serves as a talisman for the successful hatching of the coming year's silkworm cocoons. The artist's careful attention to detail can also be seen in his depiction of the woman's outfit. While her outer robe has simple white stripes against dark blue, her inner robe is elaborately patterned with multiple colors.