Drie schildpadden tussen waterplanten c. 1819

"Drie schildpadden tussen waterplanten" (Three Turtles among Water Plants) is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Yashima Gakutei, created around 1819. The artwork depicts three turtles swimming amongst aquatic plants, their shells rendered with meticulous detail. This intricate portrayal of these creatures exemplifies Gakutei's mastery of ukiyo-e, the Japanese art of woodblock printing, particularly in depicting nature and animal life. The print's soft color palette and delicate lines evoke a sense of tranquility, a common theme in Japanese art, and highlight the subtle beauty of the natural world. The print is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.