Artist: Hokusai
Medium: Original Japanese Woodblock Print
Series Title: A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces
Edition: First
Date: 1832
Publisher: Nishimuraya Yohachi (Eijudô)
Reference No.: Hokusai’s Landscapes: The Complete Series
Size: 14 -3/4 x 10 -1/4 "
Condition: Very fine
Notes:
"Yōrō Waterfall in Mino Province," is a captivating woodblock print by the legendary artist Katsushika Hokusai. This artwork is part of Hokusai's renowned series "A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces (Shokoku taki meguri)," which celebrates the scenic wonders of Japan's landscapes. Hokusai's masterpiece captures the majestic Yōrō Waterfall, nestled in the remote reaches of the Mino Province. The tumultuous rush of water, set against the tranquil surrounding forest, showcases the awe-inspiring power of nature.
The artwork illustrates the real-world Yoro Falls located in Gifu Prefecture. Hokusai depicts the majestic torrent framed by steep, abstract rocky cliffs. At the bottom of the falls, a small thatched-roof shelter stands next to a group of travelers and pilgrims who gaze up at the powerful rush of water in absolute awe. Hokusai uses rigid, straight vertical lines to emphasize the kinetic energy and sheer force of the plummeting water. The artist heavily utilized imported Prussian blue pigment, which gives the water a vivid and surreal depth. Rather than mimicking realistic geometry, Hokusai stylized the top of the fall to look as though it flows directly out of heavenly cloud formations. The print carries strong ties to a famous Japanese folktale centered on filial piety. According to legend, a poor, devoted son collected water from the Yoro Waterfall for his ailing father. Miraculously, the clean water tasted exactly like premium Japanese rice wine (sake) and completely restored the old man's health.
This woodblock print exemplifies Hokusai's mastery of the medium. The intricate details, vivid colors, and expert use of ink bring the scene to life, allowing you to feel the mist and hear the roar of the waterfall. "A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces" is a testament to Hokusai's fascination with natural landscapes. It reflects the importance of these scenic sites in Japanese culture and highlights their role as pilgrimage destinations.