Strawberry geranium and Toad, and Flounder and Dianthus, painted by Katsushika Hokusai

Hokusai's painting, "Strawberry geranium and Toad", and "Flounder and Dianthus"




"Strawberry Geranium and Toad"

Eaves tile with Mistutomoe Crest which is often used for shrines is  buried in soil and has moss. A toad is trying to get over the tile. Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) brilliantly described the moment that the toad is puting his forefeet out of the way, raising his right hind leg, and trying to climb on the tile. We can see a strawberry geranium just beside the tiles. The dark green leaves have a white mottled pattern on the front, the back is dark red, and the light red branches extend like threads.

"Flounder and Dianthus"

The right flounder shows a mottled black back and glares forward with both eyes. In contrast, the flatfish on the left shows a white belly. Crimson dianthus adds color to the two flounders. An exquisite work with an exquisite color scheme.

Title: “Strawberry geranium and Toad”, and “Flounder and Dianthus”

Author: Katsushika Hokusai

Year: 1833 or 1834

Size:25.3×33.6 cm

Own: Hokusai Museum

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