Lost-love shell (Katashigai)
1821
Hokusai, signing here as the 'Old Man Gekyō' around 1821, created this delightful scene where giant umbrellas stand in for clam shells. The ribbed parasols mimic the shells used in *kai-awase*, a matching game where pairs symbolized romantic lovers, making the 'lost-love shell' of the title a metaphor for being unmatched. Yet, there's no sadness here; children in red kimonos playfully chase and peek behind these massive props, turning a melancholy concept into a game of hide-and-seek. One umbrella even bears the character for 'Longevity' with an arrow, while elegant calligraphy floats above, hinting at the poetic roots of this luxury print.
- Technique
- Woodblock print
- Material
- Paper
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