Langoustine als takarabune. 1800 - 1825

"Langoustine als takarabune" (1800-1825) is a woodblock print by the renowned Japanese artist Utagawa Toyohiro (1763-1828). This artwork, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, portrays a langoustine, a type of lobster, depicted as a takarabune, a lucky treasure ship. This humorous and whimsical depiction, characteristic of Toyohiro's style, highlights the langoustine’s shell as the ship, with various nautical details intricately woven into the design. The inclusion of turtles and paper kites further amplifies the playful and imaginative nature of the print. This is a prime example of "ukiyo-e," a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th to the 19th centuries, known for its colorful depictions of everyday life and popular culture.