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
Museum record:
View original
Palette