Totoya Hokkei, "Turtles and Plum Blossoms"

Heralding the coming of spring, two turtles are shown in a stream with pine branches and blossoming plum blossoms. In Japan, turtles are considered a good omen and symbols of everlasting life. This is a later edition woodblock print reproduced in the Meiji-period.

Date: ca. 1890 (originally 1821)
Format: Surimono
Condition: Light toning, otherwise very good color and condition

Totoya Hokkei (1780-1850) was a pupil of Katsushika Hokusai who produced a large number of prints, books and paintings during the Edo period. He is also known for his surimono woodblock prints, which were produced in small editions as gifts.