Artwork

葛飾北斎画「諸國瀧廻リ和州吉野義経馬洗滝」|“The Waterfall Where Yoshitsune Washed His Horse at Yoshino in Yamato Province,” from the series A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces

葛飾北斎画「諸國瀧廻リ和州吉野義経馬洗滝」|“The Waterfall Where Yoshitsune Washed His Horse at Yoshino in Yamato Province,” from the series A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces 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

Created around 1832, this vertical ōban woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai depicts a waterfall in the Yoshino region of Yamato Province. Part of the series “A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces,” the image is now part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a cascade spilling over rocky ledges, rendered in vivid blues and greens. Near the falling water, two figures attend to a horse, suggesting the legendary episode in which the warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune bathed his mount at this spot. The scene juxtaposes the force of nature with a moment of quiet care.

Technique & Style

Hokusai employs brisk, angular lines to convey the torrent’s motion, while subtle cross‑hatching adds texture to the water’s surface. The background hills are painted in soft washes of yellow and pink, creating atmospheric depth. The contrast between the sharp foreground and the muted sky underscores the dynamic yet tranquil character of the landscape.

History & Provenance

The print was produced during Hokusai’s mature period, when he was exploring series that combined topographical interest with folklore. After its initial circulation in early‑19th‑century Japan, the work entered Western collections in the late 19th century and was eventually acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains on display.

Context

“The Waterfall Where Yoshitsune Washed His Horse” belongs to a broader Edo‑period fascination with famous locales and heroic narratives. By situating a historic figure within a natural setting, Hokusai aligns the image with the era’s travel literature and the popular practice of documenting Japan’s scenic wonders for both domestic and foreign audiences.