Rooster, Hen and Chicken with Spiderwort by Katsushika Hokusai - c.1830–33 - 22.9 x 29.2 cm Metropolitan Museum of Art Rooster, Hen and Chicken with Spiderwort by Katsushika Hokusai - c.1830–33 - 22.9 x 29.2 cm Metropolitan Museum of Art

Rooster, Hen and Chicken with Spiderwort

woodblock print; ink and color on paper • 22.9 x 29.2 cm
  • Katsushika Hokusai - 1760 - May 10, 1849 Katsushika Hokusai c.1830–33

Katsushika Hokusai was the creator of The Great Wave, one of the most famous artworks in the world during his lifetime. He changed his name a couple of times. In 1820, he changed it to Iitsu, marking the start of a period in which he secured fame as an artist throughout Japan and created some of his most popular prints. During his Iitsu period, Hokusai often featured flowers and birds in the prints he produced for fans. This image depicts a family of chickens clustered together affectionately in a field of blooming spiderwort, or tsuyukusa. The brilliant palette displays Hokusai's fondness for bright, intense colors.

P.S. You probably know The Great Wave right? Nevertheless, check out the interesting story about this print and its origin.  <3