Artwork

風流無くてななくせ|Squeaking a Ground Cherry, from the series Seven Fashionable Useless Habits (Furyu nakute nana kuse)

風流無くてななくせ|Squeaking a Ground Cherry, from the series Seven Fashionable Useless Habits (Furyu nakute nana kuse) is an ink print by the Japonisme artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print is part of a series by Katsushika Hokusai, created around 1798. It is a genre scene depicting everyday life with a touch of humor.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a woman in a red kimono bending to pick a small orange fruit, Alkekengi officinarum, from a low-growing plant. The scene pokes fun at trivial habits, with the fruit serving as a detail that adds to the playfulness.

Technique & Style

The print is executed in ink and color on paper, showcasing Hokusai's skill with woodblock printing. The use of bright colors and dynamic composition, such as the wind-lifted sash, adds to the scene's energy.

Context

The print is part of the series 'Seven Fashionable Useless Habits', which humorously depicts everyday habits considered frivolous or silly. The Alkekengi officinarum, or 'hōzuki', was often cultivated for its decorative husk rather than its flavor.