絵本和漢誉|Picture Book on Heroes of China and Japan (Ehon wakan no homare) 絵本和漢誉

Art Historical Context

Katsushika Hokus's *Picture Book on Heroes of China Japan (Ehon wakan no hom)*, designed around 1836 and posthumously in 185, is a captivating woodblock-printed book from Japan's Edo period (16151868). This compact volume (9 1/16 × 6 3/8 in.), inked on paper, showcases Hokusai's mastery ofkiyo-e—the "pictures of the floating world" style that blended dynamic compositions with vivid storytelling. Featuring legendary heroes from Chinese and Japanese lore, often intertwined with mythical dragons, it reflects the era's fascination with epic tales and moral exemplars. Hokusai, the renowned artist behind *The Great Wave off Kanagawa*, created this work late in his prolific career, pushing woodblock techniques to evoke motion and drama. Ehon, or picture books, were prized Edo publications that made art accessible beyond elites, printed via intricate carving and multi-color layering for bold contrasts. Published after Hokusai's death in 1849, it honors his enduring legacy in blending Eastern myths with innovative printmaking. Visitors will appreciate how this book bridges cultures, celebrating valor through fantastical imagery—perfect for glimpsing Edo Japan's vibrant print culture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About the Artist

Katsushika Hokusai 葛飾北斎 (Japanese) · 1760 –1849

Japanese, Tokyo (Edo) 1760–1849 Tokyo (Edo)