Standing figure of a tall girl

About this artwork

To 1904

Art Historical Context

Katsushika Hokus (1760–1849), one of Japan's most celebrated artists, created *Standing Figure of a Tall Girl* during the period (1615–8), a time when ukiyo-e—"pictures of the floating world"—captured the vibrant, ephemeral beauty of everyday life. This painting, likely a kakemono (hanging scroll), depicts a young girl standing tall, evoking the innocence and grace of childhood amid Japan's urban culture. Hokusai's shines through his fluid lines and evocative simplicity, hallmarks of ukiyo-e that influenced global art, from Impressionism to modern anime. As a painting from Hokusai's prolific career—spanning over 30,000 works—this piece exemplifies his shift from prints to scrolls, blending bold composition with subtle emotional depth. The "tall girl" subject may playfully nod to ideal feminine proportions in Japanese aesthetics, symbolizing growth and poise in a society valuing harmony and transience. Acquired by American collector Charles Lang Freer before 1904, it entered the Smithsonian American Art Museum as a gift, highlighting early 20th-century Western fascination with Japanese art. Today, it invites visitors to appreciate Hokusai's enduring legacy in the Freer collection.