Shotei produced a wide range of subjects throughout his career under publishers Watanabe and Daikokuya. Signed, sealed lifetime editions consistently outperform unsigned export-market copies.
Two rats — among the most intelligent and resourceful creatures in Japanese folk symbolism, associated with the god Daikoku — pick their way among burdock root and daikon in this intimate still-life composition. Shotei's [kacho-e](/glossary/kacho-e) (flower-and-bird) sensibility extends naturally to these small mammal studies, where the creatures are rendered with the same precise naturalism applied to birds and insects. The composition's intimacy, a cluster of vegetables observed close-up, gives the print a freshness that elevates it above decorative formula.
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Rats and Root Vegetables was created by Takahashi Shotei (高橋松亭).
Rats and Root Vegetables was published by Watanabe Shozaburo.
Rats and Root Vegetables depicts still life, food & drink, and animals.
