Beroemde blikken op de Oostelijke hoofdstad c. 1800 - 1815

This is "Famous Views of the Eastern Capital", a book made by Katsushika Hokusai, a Japanese artist who lived from 1760 to 1849. It gives us a glimpse into the Edo period, a time of economic growth, strict social order, and flourishing arts and culture in Japan. This book isn't just a collection of pretty landscapes. Hokusai was deeply influenced by the world around him, and that included ukiyo-e, or "pictures of the floating world." This art movement often depicted scenes of everyday life, and also challenged rigid social norms. Although Hokusai's work was rooted in his identity and personal experiences, it also reflected broader societal shifts. As you look at this book, let yourself consider how it portrays both the beauty of the natural world and the complexities of Japanese society. Hokusai's art offers a window into a world filled with beauty, change, and the ever-present tension between tradition and progress.