Poem by Kakinomoto Hitomaro by Katsushika Hokusai

This visually powerful woodblock print illustrates one of the most grueling labors of boatmen on the sacred river. Descriptively entitled “Poem by Kakinomoto Hitomaro”, this poignant artwork created by the master Hokusai Katsushika depicts the collective effort of men. Through this physical struggle, the painter pays a vibrant tribute to the labor force and solidarity of the working classes. The work symbolizes human courage in the face of the tumultuous currents of destiny.

In the foreground of this powerful scene, several strong haulers bent deeply towards the ground pull with herculean strength a long rope connected to an unseen boat. They struggle valiantly against the current of a rough river with stylized blue and white waves crossing a hilly landscape of green hills. On the right side, a thick column of white and yellow smoke rises from a large twig fire lit near a modest thatched hut. In the background, the imposing silhouette of a sacred reddish and green mountain rises under a dark, threatening sky, greatly enhancing the dramatic and tense atmosphere.

The artist displays exceptional craftsmanship here in translating muscular tension and herculean effort through tense graphic lines. The striking contrast between the blue of the water and the red of the mountain demonstrates a virtuoso mastery of color harmonies. This print possesses remarkable expressiveness.