{"product_id":"an-illustrated-new-edition-of-the-water-margin-katsushika-hokusai","title":"An Illustrated New Edition of the Water Margin - Katsushika Hokusai","description":"\u003cp\u003eA dynamic woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai from his series illustrating the classic Chinese novel, The Water Margin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis woodblock print originates from the series 'Shinpen Suikogaden', or 'An Illustrated New Edition of the Water Margin'. Katsushika Hokusai produced these illustrations to accompany a Japanese adaptation of the classic Chinese novel 'Shui Hu Zhuan'. The narrative follows a group of outlaws who gather at Mount Liang to oppose corrupt officials. Hokusai, working alongside the writer Takizawa Bakin, provided dynamic visual interpretations of the text, which were published in multiple volumes over several decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition displays the characteristic energy associated with Hokusai's graphic work. Figures are depicted in the midst of physical conflict, with the artist employing varied line weights to define the movement of water, the texture of armour, and the intensity of the combatants' expressions. The scene captures a specific moment of tactical engagement, where the figures interact with the environment, including a boat and the surrounding reeds. The use of space is typical of the period, prioritising the clarity of the action over atmospheric perspective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTechnically, the print demonstrates the precision of the woodblock medium. The lines are clean and purposeful, allowing for the reproduction of complex details such as the patterns on the warriors' garments and the swirling currents of the water. This work reflects the broader interest in Chinese literature within Edo-period Japan, where such tales were adapted to suit local tastes and artistic sensibilities. Hokusai's ability to translate literary drama into visual form is evident here, as he manages to convey both the scale of the struggle and the individual character of the participants. This print serves as a record of the collaborative process between author and illustrator, which was a common practice in the production of popular literature during the nineteenth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/shimosuwa-from-sixty-nine-stations-of-the-kisokaido-utagawa-hiroshige\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eShimosuwa, from Sixty-Nine Stations of the Kisokaidō - Utagawa Hiroshige — Utagawa Hiroshige\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/view-of-benten-shrine-on-nakanoshima-island-in-shinobazu-pond-ueno-park-utagawa-hiroshige-iii\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eView of Benten Shrine on Nakanoshima Island in Shinobazu Pond, Ueno Park - Utagawa Hiroshige III — Utagawa Hiroshige III\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Katsushika Hokusai","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ -","offer_id":58970149421391,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58970151092559,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ -","offer_id":58970151125327,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58970151158095,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58970151190863,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A4 (21x29.7 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58970151223631,"sku":null,"price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58970151256399,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58970151289167,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A3 (29.7 x 42  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58970151321935,"sku":null,"price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":58970151354703,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":58970151387471,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ A2 (42 x 59.4  cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":58970151420239,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/An-Illustrated-New-Edition-of-the-Water-Margin_Poster_CompositorV1_1790804699242.jpg?v=1790805631","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.com\/products\/an-illustrated-new-edition-of-the-water-margin-katsushika-hokusai","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}