Abe no Nakamaro c. 1833

Katsushika Hokusai created this woodblock print, titled "Abe no Nakamaro," sometime in the 19th century. It reflects a period of artistic and cultural exchange in Japan, when traditional narratives were being reimagined through the lens of a changing society. The print depicts the poignant tale of Abe no Nakamaro, a Japanese scholar-poet who lived in China for many years. Here we see him gazing at the moon, longing for his homeland. This image captures the emotional weight of cultural displacement. The moon, a symbol of home, shines brightly, yet Nakamaro remains separated, caught between two worlds. Hokusai masterfully portrays the intersection of personal identity and historical narrative. The artist invites us to reflect on the universal experience of longing and the complex relationship between self and place. The enduring story of Nakamaro, filtered through Hokusai's artistry, reminds us of the powerful bonds of identity.