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Chidori Birds

Katsushika Hokusai

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The image depicts a painting titled "Chidori Birds" by Katsushika Hokusai. The painting features a wavy sea in shades of blue and gray with white highlights. The waves are depicted in a stylized manner with smooth curves and rounded crests. Three white birds with blue and black tail feathers and beaks are flying low over the waves. The birds have their wings tucked in and appear to be landing or taking off. The background shows a hazy horizon with trees and a cloudy sky. The painting has a beige border around the edges and a predominantly muted color palette. The overall style is traditional Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock printing. The composition is simple yet dynamic, with the birds interacting with the waves.

Artwork Details

Date
18th–19th century
Medium
Ink and color on paper
Culture
Japan
Dimensions
600 × 398 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original
Palette