Amusements of the Eastern Capital - Katsushika Hokusai
Archival giclée
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Description
A detailed woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai depicting the Shin-Yoshiwara district in Edo, featuring cherry blossoms and traditional architecture.
This woodblock print originates from the illustrated book titled Amusements of the Eastern Capital (Ehon Azuma-asobi), published in 1799. Katsushika Hokusai, a master of the Ukiyo-e tradition, captures the bustling atmosphere of Edo, modern-day Tokyo. The composition presents a bird's-eye view of the Shin-Yoshiwara pleasure district, a location frequently depicted in the art of the period for its social activity and seasonal beauty.
The scene is framed by stylised pink clouds, a common convention in Japanese printmaking to manage spatial transitions and focus the viewer's attention on specific areas of the urban environment. Below these clouds, the architecture of the district is rendered with precision, showing the long, tiled roofs of the buildings and the courtyards where cherry trees are in full bloom. Small figures move through the streets and gardens, providing a sense of scale and daily life within the city. The inclusion of Japanese calligraphy on the right side of the page integrates text with the visual narrative, a characteristic feature of the ehon (picture book) format.
Hokusai employs a balanced colour palette, using soft pinks for the clouds and blossoms against the muted tones of the wooden structures and the surrounding environment. The line work is fine and controlled, reflecting the technical skill required for woodblock carving during the late eighteenth century. This work provides a glimpse into the urban culture of the Edo period, documenting the architecture and social customs of the time. By presenting the scene across two pages, the print creates an expansive view that invites the viewer to examine the details of the district, from the individual figures to the arrangement of the trees and buildings. It remains a clear example of Hokusai's early mastery of composition and his ability to document the life of the city with clarity and precision.
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Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
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We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Amusements of the Eastern Capital - Katsushika Hokusai
Artist Biography
Katsushika Hokusai
Throughout his prolific career, Hokusai produced thousands of prints, sketches and illustrated books. He continually reinvented his style and identity, even adopting over 30 different artist names as his work evolved. His bold compositions, innovative use of perspective and striking colour palettes redefined Japanese printmaking. Hokusai's famed series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji showcases not just technical mastery, but a spiritual reverence for landscape and everyday life. His work depicted everything from serene rural scenes to mythological creatures and bustling cityscapes.
Hokusai's legacy transcended Japan, profoundly shaping Western art during the 19th century through the movement known as Japonisme. Artists like Monet, Van Gogh and Whistler drew direct inspiration from his compositions and sensibilities. Today, Hokusai is celebrated not only as one of Japan’s greatest artists, but as a bridge between Eastern and Western visual culture. His art continues to captivate modern audiences with its fluid lines, narrative depth and timeless exploration of the human connection to nature.
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