The artwork, “Ningyo” by the esteemed artist Katsushika Hokusai, created in 1808, exemplifies the Ukiyo-e art movement and falls within the genre of mythological painting.
The artwork portrays a mythological scene, rich in traditional Japanese folklore and imbued with intricate details characteristic of Hokusai’s style. It depicts a ningyo, a mythical creature often likened to a mermaid, swimming gracefully in the water. The ningyo’s upper body is human-like, with long flowing hair and delicate features, while the lower half transforms into a fish’s scaly, finned tail. Alongside the ningyo, a large aquatic creature with a robust, textured body and an expressive face swims, adding to the mysterious and fantastical ambiance of the scene. The background consists of flowing water, represented through elegant, flowing lines that create a sense of movement and continuity throughout the composition. This piece reflects the beauty and enigma of mythical beings within Japanese cultural narratives, rendered through Hokusai’s masterful technique.
