Poem by Minamoto no Muneyuki Ason - Katsushika Hokusai

A woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai from his series illustrating the One Hundred Poems, depicting salt makers at work in a coastal setting.

This woodblock print belongs to the series Hyakunin Isshu Ubaga Etoki, or One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse, by Katsushika Hokusai. The series interprets the classic anthology of one hundred waka poems, traditionally attributed to the poet and scholar Fujiwara no Teika. Rather than illustrating the poems in a literal sense, Hokusai depicts the daily lives of common people, often focusing on manual labour and rural activities.

In this specific composition, Hokusai illustrates the poem by Minamoto no Muneyuki Ason. The scene captures a coastal setting where workers are engaged in the production of salt. Figures carry buckets on shoulder poles, while others gather bundles of brushwood near a thatched structure. The smoke rising from the kiln creates a dramatic visual element against the sky. Hokusai employs a balanced composition, using the verticality of the salt-making equipment and the stacks of wood to anchor the scene. The colour palette is restrained, relying on earthy tones, muted blues, and the distinct red of the sunset sky to define the atmosphere.

As a master of the Ukiyo-e tradition, Hokusai demonstrates his ability to integrate human activity with the natural environment. The print reflects the artist's interest in the lives of ordinary citizens, moving away from the focus on courtesans or actors common in earlier prints. The inclusion of the poem in the upper right corner provides the literary context, connecting the visual narrative to the classical tradition of Japanese poetry. This work is a fine example of Hokusai's late period, where his technical control over the woodblock medium allowed for subtle gradations and clear, expressive line work.