Symbols of Good Luck 

Toyota Hokkei created this woodblock print, “Symbols of Good Luck” at a time when Japanese society was experiencing significant cultural and economic shifts. The late Edo period saw the rise of a merchant class with new tastes and interests, which influenced art. Hokkei's print depicts objects associated with luck and prosperity, reflecting the values and aspirations of this emerging social group. Note the careful arrangement and the detailed rendering of the objects which elevates everyday items into symbols of hope and good fortune. The print also features calligraphy, which intertwines the visual and literary arts. Inscribed poems often reflected the artist's or patron's sentiments, adding layers of personal and cultural meaning to the artwork. The use of specific colors, patterns, and motifs are culturally significant. It offers insights into the beliefs, values, and emotional landscape of the people who engaged with it. It reflects a society seeking stability, prosperity, and good fortune in an era of change.