Katsushika Hokusai / National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Gift of Charles Lang Freer, F1902.254
These images are based on the high resolution facsimile produced by the Tsuzuri Project. Unauthorized copying, duplication, or transfer of these images is strictly prohibited.
Crustaceans
High-resolution facsimiles
- Material
- printed on silk
- Period of creation
- Tsuzuri Project Stage 12 2018–2019
- Recipient
- The Sumida Hokusai Museum（Sumida Ward）
Original
- Artist
- Katsushika Hokusai
- Historical era
- Edo (19th century)
- Material
- ink, color on silk
- Medium
- hanging scroll
- Size
- H47.7 × W59.7 cm
- Collection
- Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
Description
From the signature “Iitsu, former name was Hokusai” given to the work, it is believed that Hokusai produced this picture in his sixties. He depicted various kinds of crabs, large and small, numbering more than a hundred. A group of crabs had been regarded as a good omen from ancient times, so this work must have been displayed at celebration parties or similar events. With each crab painted with great care, this work gives us a sense of Hokusai's sharply observant eye. The picture is said to have been displayed at an exhibition held in Ueno Park, Tokyo, in 1900. At that time, the work was owned by the Oriental fine art historian Ernest Fenollosa. Two years later, in 1902, it was purchased by Freer.
