HOKUSAI 葛飾北斎 諸国瀧廻り 下野黒髪山霧降の滝 Kirifuri Waterfall | Edo Ukiyo-e Japanese Woodblock Print Reproduction

About the Artwork:
This magnificent ukiyo-e woodblock print reproduction captures one of the most iconic landscapes by Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾北斎) — the legendary Kirifuri Waterfall at Mount Kurokami in Shimotsuke Province (下野黒髪山きりふりの滝). Created as part of Hokusai’s 1832 series “A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces” (諸国瀧廻り), this work exemplifies the artist’s fascination with the dynamic movement of water and the spiritual power of nature.

Hokusai’s composition portrays cascading white streams plunging down a steep cliff, their rhythm accentuated by vibrant shades of blue, yellow, and green. Tiny human figures at the base emphasize the grandeur and scale of the natural world, a recurring theme in Hokusai’s art.

Cultural and Historical Significance:
During Japan’s Edo period, waterfalls were seen as sacred sites where the divine revealed itself through natural beauty. Hokusai transformed this belief into art, blending spiritual symbolism with his revolutionary use of color, geometry, and perspective. The Kirifuri Waterfall stands among his most admired achievements, uniting technical mastery with emotional awe.

This print comes from the same artistic period as his “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” (富嶽三十六景) and shares its distinctive Prussian blue tones — a hallmark of early 19th-century Edo innovation in woodblock printing.

Why It’s Special:

• Masterpiece reproduction of Hokusai’s Edo-period landscape

• Printed on archival washi paper under license by Shueisha Japan

• From the renowned series “A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces”

• Symbol of Japanese reverence for nature and movement

• Perfect for collectors of ukiyo-e, Japanese landscape art, or Edo aesthetics

• A timeless celebration of spiritual tranquility and artistic power

This artwork embodies the breathtaking harmony of water, movement, and human humility, preserved in the masterful legacy of Hokusai — a centerpiece of Gallery Sekai’s ukiyo-e collection.