Falls of Ono on the Kisokaidō
circa 1833-1834
Hokusai was absolutely obsessed with water, and this print proves he was the ultimate master of capturing nature's drama. He depicts the sheer power of the Ono Waterfall in Japan's Kiso Valley, making the human travelers look like tiny ants crossing a bridge below the crashing blue torrents. Notice the bold vertical lines of the falls contrasting with the red shrine perched precariously on the cliff—it's a classic ukiyo-e trick to show motion and scale. Created around 1833 as part of his 'Tour of the Waterfalls' series, this woodblock print showcases Hokusai's genius just a few years after his famous 'Great Wave.'
- Technique
- Woodblock print
- Material
- Paper