De kussen schelp 1821

This print was made by Katsushika Hokusai, the celebrated Japanese artist, and is held at the Rijksmuseum. It’s a woodblock print, a technique called *ukiyo-e,* which translates as “pictures of the floating world.” Typically, these prints were made through a division of labor. Hokusai, like other artists, would have created the original design, which was then meticulously carved into woodblocks by specialist artisans. Different blocks were used for each color, requiring precise alignment. This particular print showcases the paraphernalia associated with a shell game, including the shells themselves, a scoring table, and various tools. It’s a still life, but one infused with the energy of the street. The *ukiyo-e* tradition was closely tied to the rise of a merchant class and popular culture in Japan. Prints were relatively inexpensive and widely accessible, allowing for a broad dissemination of imagery. It is a great example of how art and commerce are deeply intertwined. Far from being a singular creation, it embodies collaborative skill and wider economic forces.