Canary and Peony 1834

Katsushika Hokusai, who lived from 1760 to 1849, created this print of a canary and peony using the woodblock printing technique, a popular art form in Japan during the Edo period. Hokusai, who was known for his series *Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji,* also produced many images of birds and flowers. These prints were not simply decorative; they reflected a deep understanding of the natural world and its symbolic meanings in Japanese culture. Here we see a canary, a bird not native to Japan, perched amongst the bloom of a peony. These imported birds were kept as pets by the wealthier merchant classes. The peony, a symbol of wealth and status, when paired with the bird becomes an explicit reference to status. Although the work seems traditional, Hokusai’s style was innovative. He developed a unique approach to composition and perspective that set his work apart. The beautiful blue of the background is particularly striking. Hokusai was among the first Japanese artists to explore Prussian blue, a newly available pigment imported from Europe. "Canary and Peony" therefore provides us with a glimpse into the intersection of class, culture, and artistic innovation in 19th century Japan.