Cranes from Quick Lessons in Simplified Drawing 1823

This drawing of cranes is from Katsushika Hokusai's *Quick Lessons in Simplified Drawing*, a series of instructional sketches published in 1823. The artist, famous for his woodblock prints, including *Great Wave off Kanagawa*, utilized this drawing to demonstrate simple techniques for capturing the form of a crane in various poses. Hokusai's simplified lines and subtle shading give the illusion of volume and movement to these birds, making them appear lifelike, despite the minimal details. This drawing exemplifies the artist's commitment to the study of nature and his ability to convey its essence with economy of line.