Poem by Ariwara no Narihira - Katsushika Hokusai
Archival giclée
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Description
A classic woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai, depicting a scene from the One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse series.
This woodblock print belongs to the series One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse (Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki), a project in which Katsushika Hokusai interpreted the classic Hyakunin isshu poetry anthology. Rather than illustrating the poems in a literal sense, Hokusai reimagined the verses through the daily lives of common people, often placing them in rural or working environments.
The composition centres on a high-arched bridge spanning a turbulent river. Figures traverse the structure, while others labour in the water below. The scene captures a sense of motion, with the rhythmic, stylised waves contrasting against the rigid geometry of the wooden bridge. Hokusai employs a balanced palette, using muted earth tones for the hills and foliage, punctuated by the deep blues of the water and the warm hues of the sunset sky.
In the upper right corner, the cartouche contains the original poem by Ariwara no Narihira, which speaks of the Tatsuta River and the scattering of autumn leaves. Hokusai subtly incorporates this theme by depicting red maple leaves floating in the water. The print demonstrates the artist's ability to blend classical literary references with the observational detail of Edo-period life. The figures are rendered with expressive, economical lines, characteristic of Hokusai's late-career style. This work provides a view into the intersection of high culture and the vernacular experience, presented through the technical precision of the woodblock medium.
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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
Poem by Ariwara no Narihira - 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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