Young Man Departing (Shonenko) - Katsushika Hokusai

A classic woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai, depicting travellers on horseback within a serene, multi-tiered natural setting.

This woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai belongs to the series A True Mirror of Japanese and Chinese Poems (Shiika shashin kyo). Produced during the 1830s, the series demonstrates Hokusai's mastery of the chuban format, which allowed for a vertical orientation that emphasises the narrative journey of the figures depicted. The composition is divided into two distinct tiers, separated by rolling hills that guide the eye across the scene.

In the foreground, a rider on a white horse dominates the frame, moving with a sense of purpose. The horse is rendered with careful attention to its harness and decorative trappings. Below, a smaller figure on a red horse traverses a path, while a third individual, shielded by a red umbrella, navigates the terrain near the water. The use of Prussian blue, a pigment that became accessible in Japan during this period, provides a cooling contrast to the warmer tones of the horses and the path. The weeping willow on the right adds a vertical element that balances the composition, while the distant hills suggest a vast, open space.

Hokusai employs a refined line quality to define the contours of the figures and the natural forms. The print reflects the artist's interest in classical literature and the visual interpretation of poetic themes. By combining human activity with the natural environment, Hokusai creates a sense of movement and transition. The print is a characteristic example of the artist's late career, showing his ability to integrate complex spatial arrangements with a clear, readable narrative. The inclusion of the series title in the upper left corner provides context for the work, linking the visual imagery to the broader tradition of Japanese and Chinese verse.