De dichter Sumiyoshi Myôjin c. 1825

Totoya Hokkei created this woodblock print, titled "The Poet Sumiyoshi Myojin," in Japan, likely in the early 19th century. Hokkei lived in a period of relative peace and economic growth in Japan, under the rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate, but also a time of strict social hierarchy. The artwork portrays Sumiyoshi Myojin, a Shinto deity often associated with poetry and seafaring. This depiction is interesting when thinking about identity, as Myojin is shown as a wise, older male figure, embodying cultural and spiritual values. The delicate lines and soft colors might evoke a sense of reverence, inviting reflection on the intersection of artistic expression, religious belief, and cultural identity. The artwork serves as a window into the cultural and spiritual life of 19th-century Japan, offering a glimpse into the values, beliefs, and artistic practices of the time. It subtly asks us to consider how cultural icons shape and reflect societal values.