Paardenstaart-haar 1822

Katsushika Hokusai created this woodblock print entitled ‘Paardenstaart-haar’ at an unknown date. It offers an intimate glimpse into the world of Japanese musical instruments. The print showcases a collection of traditional instruments, each meticulously rendered with attention to detail. Note the shamisen, a three-stringed lute, alongside other percussion instruments. Consider the social context in which these instruments were played. During Hokusai's time, music played a vital role in Japanese society, from courtly performances to popular entertainment. Woodblock prints, like this one, made art accessible to a broader audience, democratizing culture. Hokusai’s work often intersected with the floating world or ‘ukiyo’ culture of Edo-period Japan. Ukiyo emphasized the impermanence of life and the pursuit of pleasure. To fully understand the piece, we might delve into historical archives, musical treatises, and social histories of Edo-period Japan. Through these resources, we gain insights into the social function of art and the cultural values that shaped its creation.