Shells c. 1830s

Yamada Hōgyoku made this woodblock print called "Shells" in 19th century Japan. It is an uchiwa-e, meaning it was designed to be mounted on a fan. In the Tokugawa and Edo periods, Japan was highly regulated by the Shogunate, with strict social hierarchies and isolationist policies. Art was patronized by the aristocracy and religious institutions, so artists worked within set boundaries. But, at the same time, there was a growing merchant class and an appetite for art that reflected a broader spectrum of society. Hōgyoku's print, with its detailed observation of nature, relates to the era's interest in scientific cataloging, particularly of marine life. Though seemingly a neutral depiction, the print reflects the growing urbanization and commercialization of Japanese society at the time. The fan format suggests it was made for a mass audience. The image, therefore, acts as a cultural artifact, reflecting both the social structures of its time and the changing role of the artist. By researching the era's social history, as well as the history of Japanese printmaking, we can better understand the significance of this beautiful work.