Artwork preview

Sparrows

Katsushika Hokusai

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Four brown and gray sparrows in flight, depicted from below, on a beige background. Three sparrows are positioned near the center and one on the left. The central birds have their wings spread and appear to be moving in a circular motion. Their wings are rendered with brown and gray brushstrokes. The birds have dark brown heads, light-colored chests, and dark spots on their backs. A vertical line of black Japanese characters is in the top-right corner. The artwork appears to be an aged print with visible wear and tear. The title is "Sparrows" and the artist is Katsushika Hokusai.

Artwork Details

Date
ca. 1825
Medium
Sketch for a woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
598 × 368 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette