Wasp and turnip stalk - Katsushika Hokusai
Archival giclée
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Description
A delicate woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai, featuring a detailed study of a turnip stalk and a wasp from his realistic painting manual.
This woodblock print originates from the series 'Hokusai shashin gafu', or 'The Picture Book of Realistic Paintings of Hokusai', published in the early nineteenth century. Katsushika Hokusai, a master of the Ukiyo-e tradition, demonstrates his keen observation of the natural world in this composition. The work presents a turnip stalk rendered with precise, controlled lines, capturing the serrated edges of the leaves and the structural integrity of the plant. A single wasp is positioned to the left, providing a sense of scale and movement against the stillness of the botanical subject.
The print reflects the artist's interest in 'shashin', a term denoting a realistic or true-to-life depiction of subjects. Unlike the more stylised or dramatic scenes often associated with his famous landscapes, this piece focuses on the quiet study of flora and fauna. The colour palette is restrained, relying on muted greens for the foliage and soft, warm tones for the insect. The composition is balanced, utilising negative space to draw the viewer's attention to the interaction between the two elements. Hokusai's ability to distil complex natural forms into clear, readable shapes is evident here, showing his technical proficiency in the woodblock medium.
This print serves as an example of the educational and artistic intent behind Hokusai's instructional manuals. These books were designed to guide students in the art of drawing while providing collectors with refined images of the natural world. The clean lines and minimal background allow the subject matter to remain the primary focus, demonstrating a clarity of vision that characterises much of the artist's later work. The print is a study in simplicity, capturing a fleeting moment of nature with accuracy and grace.
Return policy
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
Wasp and turnip stalk - 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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