The artwork titled “Salted Salmon and Mice” by Katsushika Hokusai belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and falls under the genre of animal painting. This exquisite piece features a juxtaposition of two main elements: a depiction of a large salted salmon and a group of curious mice. The salmon, with its vibrant red and black scales, takes center stage on the left side, suggestive of traditional Japanese preservation methods. The mice, rendered with delicate and precise brushstrokes, appear intrigued and engaged with the salmon, adding a whimsical charm to the scene.
On the right side, the artwork transitions into a serene underwater setting, where fish glide gracefully through the water, accentuated by the soft, undulating lines of the currents. The contrast between the detailed portrayal of the salted salmon and the fluid, airy depiction of the underwater scene showcases Hokusai’s mastery in blending realism with artistic elegance. The muted color palette and the meticulous attention to detail reflect the contemplative and evocative nature characteristic of Ukiyo-e paintings.
