40. HOKKEI (1780-1850). Liu Bang. (Sold)
TOTOYA HOKKEI. (1780-1850)
The Chinese warrior Liu Bang (247-195 B.C) (J: Ryuho) attacking a
dragon amidst clouds. Liu Bang was a general who became the first
emperor of the Han dynasty.
According to legend he killed a white serpent (or dragon) which
represented the Qin dynasty founded by Shi Huangdi, the first
emperor of China.
Woodblock colour print with metallic pigments details
Shikishiban surimono, 21,1x18,6 cm
Signed: Nansō tōka Hokkei ga (Drawn by Hokkei by lamplight in
Southern Sō)
Poem by Seyōkan Umeyo
Title: Ryūhō slays a white serpent (Ryūhō hakuja o kiru)
Privately published
1832, year of the dragon
Another impression from the Chester Beatty Library, no. J 2133, is
illustrated in Keyes. The Art of Surimono, no. 142. Another example
is illustrated in Carpenter. Reading Surimono, no. 125 where is
described in detail and the poem translated.
Another impression is in the New York Public Library no. 114093.2.
Illustrated in our catalogue Surimono. Hokusai-Shinsai-Hokkei-Gakutei,
September 2024, no. 40.
Fine impression and colour, light backing
Status: Sold
Item: D 243
The Chinese warrior Liu Bang (247-195 B.C) (J: Ryuho) attacking a
dragon amidst clouds. Liu Bang was a general who became the first
emperor of the Han dynasty.
According to legend he killed a white serpent (or dragon) which
represented the Qin dynasty founded by Shi Huangdi, the first
emperor of China.
Woodblock colour print with metallic pigments details
Shikishiban surimono, 21,1x18,6 cm
Signed: Nansō tōka Hokkei ga (Drawn by Hokkei by lamplight in
Southern Sō)
Poem by Seyōkan Umeyo
Title: Ryūhō slays a white serpent (Ryūhō hakuja o kiru)
Privately published
1832, year of the dragon
Another impression from the Chester Beatty Library, no. J 2133, is
illustrated in Keyes. The Art of Surimono, no. 142. Another example
is illustrated in Carpenter. Reading Surimono, no. 125 where is
described in detail and the poem translated.
Another impression is in the New York Public Library no. 114093.2.
Illustrated in our catalogue Surimono. Hokusai-Shinsai-Hokkei-Gakutei,
September 2024, no. 40.
Fine impression and colour, light backing
Status: Sold
Item: D 243