Cool evening on the Sumida River, as seen by Hokusai

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The Ukiyo-e is a unique and famous feature of Japanese iconography. It depicts the daily activities and the varied pleasures of the floating worlds.

The sample that Christie's shows on March 17 in New York has three qualities that make it exceptional.

It is not a print but an original on silk, treated with ink, colors and gold. It is the work of one of the greatest artists, Hokusai, in one of his best periods (circa 1810). It is quite large (53 x 115 cm).

It shows three young women: two ladies and a servant. There is no doubt we are on the banks of the Sumida River beneath a willow tree, when the summer evening becomes cool .

The details give life to this interesting and fun composition. With her sleeves up, the servant is in the river, busy catching eels for dinner. The ladies do not pay attention. One of them is serious, but the other, behind her in a much less wise position, hides a pipe on one side and a tobacco tray on the other.

For this slice of life from two centuries ago, it takes 800 K $.

[tealasilverre]

Oh how I wish I could see a picture of this. It sounds so wondrous.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

Same fate happened to this work of Hokusai as to print of Utamaro, last year at the same place (see Prints group). Expected at a higher price than the market was willing to provide, it has not been sold.