Old Kintoki and Small Demon with Towel in Snake Shape c. 1810 - 1839

This is a woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei, made in Japan in the first half of the 19th century. The print shows the legendary strongman Kintoki, also known as Kintaro, as an old man, together with a small demon. Japanese prints like this one were very popular among the merchant classes of Edo-period Japan. Figures from folklore and legend were common subjects, often presented with a humorous or satirical twist. Prints offered artists an opportunity to playfully critique the status quo, and to engage with contemporary social issues through allegory. Hokkei was a student of the famous artist Hokusai, and this print demonstrates the influence of his teacher in its bold lines and dynamic composition. To understand the context of this work more fully, one might research the history of woodblock printing in Japan, the legends of Kintoki, and the social role of the merchant class in Edo society. Only then can we truly appreciate the wit and skill of Totoya Hokkei.