Chrysanthemums 1800 - 1868

This monochrome ink drawing, "Chrysanthemums," is a striking example of the Hokusai school's mastery of botanical illustration. Executed sometime between 1800 and 1868, the work showcases the delicate details of chrysanthemums, their petals rendered with meticulous strokes. The artist employs a minimalist approach, focusing on the floral subject against a stark white background. The artist's use of shadow and light evokes a sense of depth and dimensionality, even with the absence of color. This captivating work, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the beauty and precision of Japanese botanical art.