Het is goed om de tanden te verharden c. 1822

This ukiyo-e woodblock print, “It is good to harden the teeth,” by renowned Japanese artist Totoya Hokkei, c. 1822, depicts a woman carefully sharpening a knife. The print showcases Hokkei’s mastery of detail and vibrant color, as seen in the woman's intricately patterned kimono and the surrounding greenery. The subject matter, while seemingly mundane, reflects the importance of practical skills and domestic life in Edo-period Japan. This print, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, provides a glimpse into the daily life of a woman during a pivotal period in Japanese history.