Bloemschelp, rode schelp en de puur rode schelp 1821

"Bloemschelp, rode schelp en de puur rode schelp" (Flower Shell, Red Shell, and the Pure Red Shell) is a woodblock print created by the Japanese artist Totoya Hokkei in 1821. This work, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a stunning example of the "ukiyo-e" ("pictures of the floating world") genre that flourished in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). The print features a variety of seashells rendered with meticulous detail and delicate color, showcasing Hokkei's talent for capturing the beauty of nature. This "surimono" (a type of privately commissioned print) is particularly interesting for its emphasis on the intricacies of natural forms, a hallmark of Hokkei's artistic style.