Ryuo, the King of Dragon
1820 or 1832
Medium
Color woodblock print; surimono
Dimensions
20.8 × 18.5 cm (8 1/4 × 7 5/16 in.)
Classification
woodblock print
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
81133
Art Historical Context
**Ryuo, the King of Dragon** is a captivating color woodblock print by Totoya Hokkei, a prominent Japanese artist active during the Edo period (1780–1850). Created around 1820 or 1832, this intimate surimono—measuring just 20.8 × 18.5 cm—exemplifies the refined artistry of privately commissioned prints often produced for New Year's greetings or poetry gatherings. Hokkei, a pupil of the legendary Katsushika Hokusai, specialized in ukiyo-e ("pictures of the floating world"), blending mythical subjects with exquisite technical precision. As a surimono, the work stands out for its luxurious produ...
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...