Toasted Mochi (a kind of rice food used during the New Year season) 19th century

"Toasted Mochi" is a woodblock print by the renowned Japanese artist Yashima Gakutei, created in the 19th century. This small-scale work, measuring just 5 3/8 x 7 3/8 inches, depicts a simple yet captivating scene: several mochi, a traditional Japanese rice cake, are arranged on a red lacquered tray, with delicate white blossoms scattered around them. The artist's meticulous attention to detail and use of subtle color gradients lend a realistic quality to the mochi, evoking the texture and warmth of the freshly toasted rice cakes. This print showcases Gakutei's skill in capturing the beauty of everyday objects and the essence of Japanese culture.