Artwork

元日仕度|Preparations for the New Year, from Spring Rain Surimono Album (Harusame surimono-jō, vol. 1)

元日仕度|Preparations for the New Year, from Spring Rain Surimono Album (Harusame surimono-jō, vol. 1) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Totoya Hokkei. It dates from 1817 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Preparations for the New Year is a woodblock print from the Spring Rain Surimono Album, created by Totoya Hokkei in 1817. It is a privately published surimono mounted in an album, featuring ink and color on paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two individuals in a simple room preparing for the New Year. One kneels, holding a fan and tool, while the other stands, holding a large fan. The scene includes a bowl, bucket, and small fire, with Japanese text overlaying the composition.

Technique & Style

The print is characterized by soft, muted colors and ample white space. The background features a lattice-patterned window, and the overall design is marked by restraint and subtlety.

History & Provenance

The print is held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.