Zoetwatermossel en Japanse zon-en-maan mantelschelp 1821

"Zoetwatermossel en Japanse zon-en-maan mantelschelp" (1821) is a woodblock print by renowned Japanese artist Totoya Hokkei (1790-1850), currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The work depicts two types of seashells, a freshwater mussel and a Japanese sun and moon clam, arranged symmetrically with stylized foliage. Hokkei, known for his refined and elegant style, used delicate brushstrokes to capture the texture and form of the shells, showcasing his mastery of the ukiyo-e genre. This print exemplifies the beauty and diversity of the natural world, a popular theme in Japanese art.