Horse Pattern (Koma shōbu), from the series Horses

Art Historical Context

Katsushika Hokus's *Horse Pattern (Komaōbu)* from his *Horses* series, in 1822 during Japan's Edo period (1615–1868), exemplifies the master's prowess in ukiyo-e woodblock printing. Hokusai, renowned for works like *The Great Wave off Kanag*, captured the elegance and vitality of horses in this intimate surimono—a luxury print often commissioned for private occasions like New Year's greetings. Measuring just 8¼ x 7⅜ inches, its compact scale invited close admiration, blending dynamic equine forms with playful motifs suggested by tags like birds and fans. As a surimono, the artwork showcases a...

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...