['Sôjô with an Elephant', 'The ignorant seekers'] c. 1821

"Sôjô with an Elephant" (c. 1821) by Totoya Hokkei is a woodblock print depicting a large white elephant standing in a small boat. The elephant, a mythical creature in Japan, is depicted with a serene expression, while the two figures in the boat, seemingly unaware of the elephant's presence, look towards the viewer. The print is a fine example of Hokkei's ability to capture the beauty of the natural world through the lens of the fantastical. The artist's use of delicate lines and subtle colors creates a sense of calm and tranquility. The print is held in the Rijksmuseum.