Drunken Asaina

Art Historical Context

Katsushika Hokusai's *Drunken Asaina*, created around 1810 during Japan's Edo period (1615–1868), captures the playful spirit of ukiyo-e, the "pictures of the floating world" that celebrated everyday life, theater, and fleeting pleasures. Hokusai, one of Japan's most renowned artists, was a master of this vibrant woodblock print and painting tradition, famous for works like *The Great Wave off Kanagawa*. Here, he depicts a drunken male figure—likely inspired by kabuki theater or urban folklore—stumbling in exuberant revelry, embodying the era's fascination with human foibles and festive indulgences. Originally painted on a fan with ink and subtle colors on paper, this intimate artwork (9 7/16 × 20 3/16 in.) was later mounted as a hanging scroll, transforming a portable accessory into a wall-worthy display. Fans were everyday objects in Edo Japan, often adorned with witty scenes for personal enjoyment during hot summers or social gatherings. Hokusai's dynamic brushwork and expressive lines bring the scene to life, highlighting his genius for humor and movement in a compact format. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1991, *Drunken Asaina* offers a glimpse into Edo society's love for satire and the performing arts, reminding us of art's power to humanize even the most tipsy moments.

About the Artist

Katsushika Hokusai · 1760–1849

Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) stands as one of history's most influential artists, a Japanese master who revolutionized the ukiyo-e woodblock print tradition and profoundly shaped Western art. Born in the Katsushika district of Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to an artisan family, Hokusai lived through nearly nine decades of extraordinary creative evolution, adopting over thirty different artistic names t...