Festival Float of Priest Jōmyō (Jōmyō yama), with poems by Mizunoya Tanigaki Makiyo, Jushitsu (Jutei) Morozane and Yomo no Utagaki (Magao) c. 1820

Curator: Katsushika Hokusai, famed for his "Great Wave," also created this print, "Festival Float of Priest Jōmyō," a vibrant scene showcasing costumed figures atop what appears to be a festive bridge. Editor: My eye is immediately drawn to the materiality—look at how the artist used paper and ink to depict the ornate armor and the bridge’s elaborate decorations. It evokes a sense of ritual. Curator: Indeed. The lines, though simple, create a dynamic composition. The figures, poised mid-action, convey a sense of drama through form and color. Editor: And consider the labor involved in both the depicted festival and the artwork itself. The printmaking process, the creation of the costumes… it speaks volumes about cultural practices. Curator: It’s a fascinating intersection. Hokusai’s mastery lies in balancing detail and abstraction to evoke a powerful visual narrative. Editor: Absolutely. This work reminds us that art is never just about the final image, but also about the hands, materials, and traditions that shaped it.