De dichter Ono no Tôfû c. 1822

Totoya Hokkei's woodblock print depicts the poet Ono no Tofu, known for his calligraphy, holding a writing brush and an umbrella, seemingly observing a frog attempting to leap onto a willow branch. The frog here is not merely an amphibian, but a symbol of perseverance, its repeated attempts reflecting the struggles of human endeavor. You see, the motif of the frog appears throughout history, dating back to ancient Egypt, where it was associated with fertility and rebirth. Its symbolism evolved through the ages, reappearing in Aesop's fables as a representation of foolishness or pride, and then again here. It echoes a sentiment of the relentless pursuit of knowledge and mastery, a theme deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. This scene, so carefully captured, is not just an observation of nature, but a powerful engagement with our deepest selves, the echoes of which reverberate through the corridors of time.