Do (Earth), Totoya Hokkei

Archive Label 2003: Hokkei was a student of Hokusai and became especially famous for surimono. Surimono are high-quality prints made in limited quantities for special occasions. The subject of this surimono is the fictional hero Lin Chong from the thirteenth-century Chinese novel “Outlaws of the Marsh” (Suikoden). Lin was a great warrior and martial arts instructor to the imperial troops, but was falsely accused of a crime and banished by conspiring officials. In this scene from the novel, the fugitive Lin is drunk in a wine shop and in a moment of exhilaration writes a poem on the wall proudly identifying himself. He is recognized by another customer, who helps him to escape and join up with the other heroes of the story. Hokkei emphasizes the physical bulk of the mighty warrior, magnified by his elaborate robes. He hunches over, a look of grim determination on his face as he grasps the inkstone and brush to write his verse in bold, expressive characters. Archive Label date unknown: In the thirteenth-century Chinese novel Shui huchuan, Lin Chong served as an instructor in the martial arts to eighty thousand imperial troops, but his beautiful young wife caught the eye of a corrupt government official, so Lin Chong was falsely accused of a crime and banished from the capital. In chapter 11, he reached a wine shop where he wrote a verse upon the wall identifying himself. Another patron recognized the fugitive warrior and helped him to the safety of an outlaws' lair. Hokkei portrays Lin Chong in the clothing of an imperial instructor.