Confused Frog - T-Shirt

A playful but masterful sumi-e painting by Matsumoto Hōji. Perfect for casual outfits, gifting, and anyone who smiles at the delightfully bewildered expression of this authentic Edo-period artwork.

The design

A single frog, rendered with bold, economical brushstrokes. The composition balances negative space with inky texture, echoing traditional Japanese sumi-e. The slightly confused look of the frog is delightful, almost hilarious and will make you forget that this piece of art is already dates back to Japan in the 19th century.

The artist

Matsumoto Hōji (1818-1882) was a Japanese Buddhist monk and scholar known for his fondness for painting frogs. His lighthearted studies gave ordinary creatures a distinctly human spirit – humorous, contemplative, or sometimes even confused – making his work surprisingly relatable today.

Why you'll love it

• Authentic Japanese minimalist artwork
• A conversation-starter for fans of Japanese culture, Zen, and sumi-e
• Makes a great gift for loved ones that enjoy traveling: The Japanese word for frog (kaeru) sounds very similar to the Japanese word for "to return", which is why frogs are often associated with safe returns in Japan