Mand met aubergines c. 1890 - 1900

"Mand met aubergines" (c. 1890 - 1900) is a Japanese woodblock print by the celebrated artist Totoya Hokkei (1790-1850). The print depicts a woven basket filled with eggplants, executed in Hokkei's signature style of vibrant color and meticulous detail. The composition highlights the beauty of the eggplant's form, with the artist capturing the smooth, glossy skin and subtle variations in color. This artwork exemplifies the "ukiyo-e" genre, which emerged in the Edo period and focused on everyday life, nature, and beauty. Now housed in the Rijksmuseum, the print is a testament to Hokkei's mastery of woodblock printing and his ability to find artistic inspiration in the mundane.