Seated Woman with Shamisen 

Katsushika Hokusai sketched this woman with ink on paper, capturing a fleeting moment of musical reverie. Dominating the scene is the shamisen, a three-stringed lute whose origins trace back to the Chinese sanxian, arriving in Japan via the Ryukyu Islands. The shamisen became integral to Japanese musical traditions, particularly in kabuki theatre and geisha culture. Its presence here speaks to artistic expression, pleasure, and a connection to cultural heritage. Note how the woman’s delicate hand holds a plectrum. Her posture, the curve of her neck, and closed eyes suggest a deep immersion in the music. This echoes the ancient Greek concept of 'ekstasis', a departure from the self. We see a similar rapture in depictions of ecstatic saints or maenads in Bacchic rituals throughout European art. The emotional power here engages viewers on a profound, subconscious level. It is a universal longing for transcendence and harmony. The woman's pose is reminiscent of countless images throughout art history. The cyclical progression and evolution of shared human experiences are embedded in visual symbols, resurfacing and taking on new meanings in each unique historical context.