Snake and Lizard Ukiyo-e (蛇と蜥蜴) - Tōshū Hokkei (遠州北渓，1780 - 1850) - Japan (No reserve price)

Work Title: Snake and Lizard Ukiyo-e (蛇と蜥蜴)
Artist: Tōshū Hokkei (遠州北渓，1780 - 1850)
Technique: Woodblock Print
Artist's Signature on Print: Present (Kyōka Signature: Senshi Fuen（千枝阜元）)
Paper Size: 26×38.5 cm (10.24×15.16 in)
Image Size: 21.5×33 cm (8.46×12.99 in)
Mounting Paper Size: 32.5×47.5 cm (12.80×18.70 in)
Paper Material: Washi (和紙)
Hori-shi (彫師): Ōkura Kenji (大倉健二)
Zuri-shi (摺師): Watanabe Akio (渡辺章夫)
Publisher: Ukiyo-e Hanga Kankōkai (浮世絵版画刊行会)
This exquisite ukiyo-e woodblock print is an original work created in the mid-to-late 1820s (c. 1825 - 1830) by Tōshū Hokkei (遠州北渓), a prominent ukiyo-e artist of the late Edo period in Japan, who is also often referred to as Kikō Hokkei (喜皐北渓). The piece in hand is a reissued reproduction released by Japan’s Ukiyo-e Hanga Kankōkai (浮世絵版画刊行会) in the mid-to-late 1970s (c. 1976 - 1978).

Snake and Lizard is a signature work of Tōshū Hokkei, falling under the "Kachūjū-ga (花鳥虫獣絵)" genre of ukiyo-e, which focuses on flowers, birds, insects and beasts. The text "Senshi Fuen (千枝阜元)" on the right side of the print is the artist’s kyōka signature (狂歌題跋署名). This is a typical form of "combination of image and text (図文結合)" in Edo-period ukiyo-e: the humorous short poem (kyōka, 狂歌) in the inscriptions echoes the imagery of the painting, not only clarifying the theme but also adding the charm of urban folk culture.
Tōshū Hokkei’s works are renowned for their delicate depiction of natural creatures, and this print perfectly embodies his artistic style. He uses soft pastel colors for the background and intricate fine lines to restore the texture of the snake’s scales, the lizard’s skin, and the layers of plants. This approach endows the natural scene with a realistic touch while retaining the unique elegant and leisurely charm of ukiyo-e.

Due to the passage of time, the washi paper shows slight signs of oxidation, yellowing and creases, but the overall condition remains good.

- The picture is part of the description. The color of the item may be slightly different from the picture (due to camera and screen settings).
- The successful bidder will be responsible for any customs duties and taxes (if applicable).
- This item will be mailed by the postal service of Taiwan in the form of airmail with insurance attached.