Twee mannen onder een pijnboom 1821

Totoya Hokkei rendered this print, "Two Men Under a Pine Tree," using woodblock printing techniques. Here we see not only the figures but also the artist's delicate symbolism. The pine tree, for instance, is an emblem of longevity and steadfastness in Japanese culture, often associated with divine presence. Note how the tree shelters the men, much like the protective branches of the Tree of Life in ancient mythologies, guarding sacred knowledge. The rising sun, Urdhva Surya, is a symbol frequently associated with the soul, enlightenment, and awakening. Consider how this image reverberates with similar themes found in other artistic traditions. The tree, as a symbol of life and connection, mirrors the role of the axis mundi, the world tree, which is represented differently across cultures. Here, in this Japanese print, the tree invites us to reflect on the enduring human quest for meaning, a quest eternally reborn with each sunrise, each generation.