Perfect Pictures at a Glance (Shūga ichiran) 1818

Katsushika Hokusai created this print, "Perfect Pictures at a Glance," with woodblock on paper. The print reflects the cultural milieu of 19th-century Japan, particularly the increasing interest in folklore and mythology. "Perfect Pictures" portrays mythological figures, offering insight into the social values of the time. The figures depicted aren’t just characters from old stories, but embodiments of complex intersections of identity, gender, and class within Japanese society. Hokusai presents these figures not as static symbols but as beings with dynamic emotions and experiences. It subtly challenges traditional representations by giving a glimpse into alternative narratives. Look closely. Do you notice how the figures are rendered with empathy? Here, Hokusai invites us to ponder the relevance of these ancient stories to our modern lives, reflecting societal issues and the emotional dimensions of human experience.