Week 40: Oct. 6, 2024

Set of prints from an untitled series known as “Large Flowers”, Katsushika Hokusai, Japanese, 1833-1834, woodblock print(nishiki-e), ink and color on paper; Hibiscus and Sparrow, Chrysanthemuns and Horsefly, Hydrangea and Swallow, Bellflower and Dragonfly, Poppies, Peonies and Butterfly, Morning Glories and Tree Frog.

untitled…

I have become so familiar with Hokusai’s Great Wave that I was surprised to find that I really was more attracted to his floral woodblock prints. This series, which was untitled, is gorgeous. The museum displayed it in a lovely way that complemented the color and the design perfectly.

An untitled series - as a concept - also intrigued me. Perhaps it was untitled because he didn’t view it as a series but as unique prints, each with flora or fauna. Who gets to decide if art is grouped or individual? Just a curiosity…