Artwork

琉球八景長虹秋霽|Autumn Sky at Chōkō (Chōkō shūsei), from the series Eight Views of the Ryūkyū Islands (Ryūkyū hakkei)

琉球八景長虹秋霽|Autumn Sky at Chōkō (Chōkō shūsei), from the series Eight Views of the Ryūkyū Islands (Ryūkyū hakkei) is an ink print by the Japonisme artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1832 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Autumn Sky at Chōkō is a woodblock print from Katsushika Hokusai's series Eight Views of the Ryūkyū Islands, dating to circa 1832. The work is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene cityscape featuring a winding river, a stone bridge with travelers, a sailboat, and surrounding hills and trees fading into a misty, soft blue sky. The scene conveys a sense of calm and tranquility.

Technique & Style

Hokusai employed smooth lines to capture the misty veil over the hills, and subtle cross-hatching to add texture. The composition balances simplicity with detailed elements, such as the sail's folds and the bridge's stonework, in a predominantly green, blue, and gold palette.

History & Provenance

Created around 1832, the print is now housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, as part of its collection of Japanese woodblock prints.