Vierter Akt
1806
Long before he painted the famous Great Wave, Katsushika Hokusai was a master storyteller for the theater. This vibrant 1806 illustration, titled 'Act IV,' likely depicts a scene from a Kabuki play like *The Treasury of Loyal Retainers*, offering a fascinating split view of Japanese society. On the upper wooden walkway, stern samurai in formal attire patrol with swords, representing rigid duty and tension. In contrast, the lower veranda shows women in elaborate kimonos relaxing amidst a lush garden of purple irises and raining cherry blossoms, capturing the delicate beauty of spring in the Edo period.
- Technique
- Woodblock print
- Material
- Paper
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