Transmitting the Spirit and Revealing the Form of Things- Hokusai's Sketchbooks 1849

This sketch, created in 1849, is from one of Katsushika Hokusai's sketchbooks, "Transmitting the Spirit and Revealing the Form of Things." It features a detailed depiction of a koi fish swimming in rippling water. Hokusai, born in 1760, was a prolific artist and a master of ukiyo-e, a Japanese art form known for its woodblock prints depicting everyday life and popular subjects. This sketch, with its intricate lines and delicate shading, showcases Hokusai's exceptional skill and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects. The Minneapolis Institute of Art holds this precious piece, a testament to the enduring legacy of one of Japan's most celebrated artists.