Untitled

Totoya Hokkei

ca. 1825 · Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper · Asian Art

Classical subjects, from both literature and history, often attracted the surimono artists. Strolling by a stream, Ono no Tofu (894–964), a court calligrapher, dejectedly thinks about resigning from the court. He stops to watch a determined frog attempt a high upward leap onto a willow branch. After countless futile efforts, the frog finally succeeds. Inspired by its perseverance, Ono no Tofu decides to stay on.

Artist

Totoya Hokkei

Date

ca. 1825

Medium

Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Estate of Samuel Isham, 1914