Kingfisher, Irises and Carnations - Katsushika Hokusai

Bring home the timeless elegance of "Kingfisher, Iris, and Carnations" by Katsushika Hokusai, a refined art print on Amalfi paper, designed for those who love classical Japan and minimalist design. This reproduction on Amalfi paper enhances the delicate balance between the bird, irises, and carnations, transforming any wall into a small museum gallery.

The work belongs to Hokusai's mature period, a master of ukiyo-e active in Edo in the early 19th century, and is part of the kachō-ga, prints dedicated to flowers and birds. In this work, the painter depicts a kingfisher among iris stems and clumps of wild carnations, playing on the contrasts between the blue of the plumage, the green of the leaves, and the red of the flowers to achieve a dynamic yet harmonious composition. The vertical chūban format and the presence of poetic inscriptions in kanji reveal the connection with Chinese tradition and the refined culture of the Edo period, while the close-up cropping foreshadows an almost modern sensibility in viewing the natural world.

Feel the history under your fingertips