Who painted Drummer from The Cave Door of Spring?

Drummer from The Cave Door of Spring was painted by Totoya Hokkei in 1825.

Where can I see Drummer from The Cave Door of Spring?

Drummer from The Cave Door of Spring is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Drummer from The Cave Door of Spring?

Drummer from The Cave Door of Spring is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Drummer from The Cave Door of Spring?

Museum-quality prints of Drummer from The Cave Door of Spring are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Drummer from The Cave Door of Spring

Totoya Hokkei , 1825

Drummer from The Cave Door of Spring is a print by the Romanticist artist Totoya Hokkei. It dates from 1825 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1940.990.1
Credit line: Bequest of James Parmelee

About this work

Overview

Drummer from The Cave Door of Spring is a surimono print depicting a musician in dramatic pose. It is part of a set of five prints related to the legend of Amaterasu, the Shinto Supreme Sun Goddess.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a man in fine robes beating a small barrel drum, illustrating the mythological scene where Amaterasu is lured out of a cave. The drummer's dynamic pose suggests he is about to join the action, highlighting the narrative's dramatic moment.

Technique & Style

The image is set against a blue evening sky with embossed clouds enriched with metallic pigments, including gold, silver, and copper. As a surimono print, it was a private commission, often featuring complex designs and poetic themes.

Context

The print is part of a series referencing the Amaterasu legend, where the goddess's emergence from the cave restores light to the world. The surimono format allowed for intricate details and wordplay, suggesting a sophisticated audience.