Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Hoji Frog Greetings Card

A greetings card featuring a frog dressed like an ancient Egyptian pharaoh, inspired by a woodblock print by Japanese artist Matsumoto Hoji.

The contemporary adaptation of Hoji’s frog print from 1814 presents a frog in the traditional nemes headdress, typical wear of many of Egypt’s pharaohs, and holding the crook and flail, symbol of the king’s right to rule. The boldness of the image is achieved by bright blue and yellow colour of the attire which pop against the black ink of the frog sitting beneath red calligraphy.

The Japanese word for frog is kaeru, which can also mean to return. The frog is considered to bring good luck, representing good things returning. 

The famous print of the sad-faced frog, by the Japanese artist Matsumoto Hoji is from an album titled Meika Gafu (‘Album of Pictures by Celebrated Artists’).

A fun and striking card that celebrates ancient Egypt and Japanese art.