Shōtei Hokuju Fishing for Bonito in Choshi Ba

Japan, early 20th century (after an original design from c. 1820)

This fascinating sheet is a masterful modern edition (fukukoku) of a famous design by Shotei Hokuju, a prominent pupil of Hokusai. The print is a classic example of "westernized" landscape design, depicting the dramatic fishing for bonito in Choshi Bay. It features cubistic rock formations and the unusual inclusion of cast shadows. Although the sheet bears the seal of the original publisher Eijudō, its pristine condition and printing characteristics firmly place it among the high-quality collector's reproductions from the early 20th century, which replicated rare first editions with absolute technological precision.