New Year’s Sake c. 1810 - 1820

"New Year’s Sake" is a Japanese woodblock print created by Yashima Gakutei in the early 19th century, showcasing a kettle and a sake cup nestled in a bed of white snow. The image evokes a sense of peace and tranquility, with the delicate details of the kettle's handle and the sake cup's floral pattern contrasting against the starkness of the snow. Gakutei's work, often depicting everyday scenes, reflects the beauty of simple things, a characteristic of the ukiyo-e style. This print, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, captures a moment of quiet reflection, a fitting start to the new year.