Twee vliegers c. 1828

"Twee vliegers" (Two Kites), a woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei, is a striking example of the "ukiyo-e" style, a popular art movement in 19th-century Japan. Hokkei was a master of the "surimono" genre, which features intricate designs often focused on everyday subjects. The composition, with its two kites silhouetted against a light background, showcases Hokkei's keen eye for detail and his ability to capture the essence of the subject matter. The black kite, with its sharp, stylized wings, provides a dramatic counterpoint to the more delicate form of the grey kite. The inscription, likely a poem, adds another layer of meaning to the artwork.