Transmitting the Spirit and Revealing the Form of Things- Hokusai's Sketchbooks 1819

This sketchbook page from 1819 depicts a man being watched by a spirit or yokai. The page is part of a larger collection of sketches by Katsushika Hokusai, a renowned Japanese artist known for his woodblock prints, particularly the iconic "Great Wave off Kanagawa." Hokusai's sketches often feature fantastical creatures and everyday scenes, highlighting his fascination with the natural world and the supernatural. The detailed lines and delicate brushstrokes capture the artist's unique style and offer a glimpse into the creative process behind his more famous works.