The artwork, titled “Yama-uba,” is a creation of the eminent artist Katsushika Hokusai, and belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement. This piece is classified within the genre of mythological painting.
In the artwork, Hokusai depicts a figure of Yama-uba, a legendary character from Japanese folklore. Yama-uba is portrayed with distinct and elaborate detail, wearing a garment adorned with leaves, suggesting her connection to nature and wilderness. Her expression and demeanor convey a sense of mystique and traditional narrative. The background features quintessential elements of Japanese artistic style, with smooth and flowing forms that contrast with the detailed textures of the foreground figure. The use of color, line, and composition exemplifies Hokusai’s mastery within the Ukiyo-e tradition and his ability to invoke mythical themes through his art.