Hamagawa, from the series "A Record of a Journey to Enoshima (Enoshima kiko)"

Art Historical Context

Step into the vibrant world of 19th-century Japanese ukiyo-e with *Hamagawa, from the series "A Record of a Journey to Enoshima (Enoshima kiko)"* by Totoya Hokkei, created in 1833. Hokkei, a skilled pupil of the master Katsushika Hokusai, captures a picturesque moment along the journey to Enoshima, a revered island shrine near Kamakura popular for pilgrimages. This intimate scene likely depicts the Hamagawa area—perhaps a river or coastal path—evoking the wanderlust of Edo-period travelers amid lush landscapes and everyday life. Printed as a *shikishiban surimono*, this square-format color woodblock print (21.3 × 17.9 cm) exemplifies deluxe private commissions. Surimono were luxurious, limited-edition New Year's greetings, often featuring mica, embossing, and poetic inscriptions for elite patrons. The meticulous woodblock technique allowed vibrant hues and fine details, blending realism with poetic elegance in the ukiyo-e tradition of "pictures of the floating world." Hokkei's work reflects Japan's cultural fascination with nature, travel diaries (*kiko*), and seasonal beauty during the isolated Tokugawa era. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, it offers a window into how prints democratized art, bridging elite tastes with broader appreciation. A gem for any visitor! (198 words)

About the Artist

Totoya Hokkei · 1780–1850

Totoya Hokkei (魚屋 北渓, 1780–1850), born Iwakubo Tatsuyuki in Edo (modern Tokyo), began his life as a humble fishmonger in the Yotsuya Samegahashi district, a trade reflected in his art name "Totoya," meaning fish shop. He transitioned to art through rigorous training, first studying under Kanō Yōsen'in Korenobu, head of the Kobikichō branch of the prestigious Kanō school, where he honed landscape p...