Untitled

Katsushika Hokusai

ca. 1804–13 · Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper · Asian Art

The two poems in the upper part of the print were composed by Asakusa-an (1755–1821) and his contemporary Teika-an on the theme of cherry blossoms. In this pleasing composition, the motifs are limited to double cherry blossoms, a telescope, a pair of sweet fish, and a tissue case. The combination of such objects in a pictorial image is mysteriously suggestive. Hokusai's signature reads Gakyōjin Hokusai ga ("painted by the madman of painting, Hokusai").

Artist

Katsushika Hokusai

Date

ca. 1804–13

Medium

Woodblock print (surimono); ink and color on paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929