Artwork preview

Sparrows and Chrysanthemums

Katsushika Hokusai

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The artwork features two small birds flying amidst a floral arrangement. The birds have predominantly brown bodies with white accents on their faces and chests. Their wings are spread wide as they fly towards the right. The flowers depicted are chrysanthemums in various colors including shades of orange, pink, and white. The flowers have dense clusters of petals and are accompanied by dark green leaves. A vertical line of Japanese characters is visible on the left side. The background of the artwork transitions from a lighter shade at the bottom to a darker shade at the top.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 1825
Medium:
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Culture:
Japan
Dimensions:
599 × 467 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette