Abe no Nakamaro c. 1833

"Abe no Nakamaro" is a woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai, created circa 1833. This ukiyo-e print depicts a scene of a historical figure, Abe no Nakamaro, a Japanese scholar and official of the Tang dynasty, looking out from a balcony at the moon. Hokusai's use of vivid colors, particularly the contrasting blues and reds, highlights the moonlit night and the figures' attire. The print showcases Hokusai's signature style, emphasizing bold lines and dramatic compositions, characteristic of his later works. This print is a testament to Hokusai's mastery of woodblock printing and his ability to capture the beauty of the natural world and historical narratives within a single frame.