As an ardent admirer of Katsushika Hokusai and the enchanting world of ukiyo-e, I find myself continually captivated by the depth and beauty of his work. Among his many masterpieces, A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces stands out as a profound exploration of nature’s grandeur and the artist’s unparalleled skill.
A Glimpse into Hokusai’s Later Years
Created around 1832 (after The Great Wave off Kanagawa), during the later years of Hokusai’s life, this series reflects a period of artistic maturity and innovation. At this time, Hokusai was in his seventies, yet his creativity showed no signs of waning. Instead of confining himself to views accessible to his core client base in Edo (present-day Tokyo), he selected spectacular waterfalls throughout central Honshu, Japan’s main island.
He focused on sites of religious pilgrimage associated with legendary figures. These included the tragic young warrior-hero Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Amida Nyorai, Lord of the Buddhist Pure Land paradise, and the compassionate female bodhisattva Kannon. He also depicted immortal beings associated with Shūgendō, an ancient amalgam of beliefs centered on local kami (spirits or divine powers), gongen (avatars), and religious austerities practiced in mountain locations.
The series is particularly significant as it represents Hokusai’s exploration of vertical compositions and his mastery in depicting the natural world’s energy.
The Significance of the Series
A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces is significant not only within Hokusai’s body of work but also in the broader context of ukiyo-e art. Traditionally, ukiyo-e focused on portraits of courtesans, kabuki actors, and scenes from urban life. Hokusai expanded the genre’s boundaries by introducing landscapes and natural phenomena as central themes.
Some of the waterfalls he depicted have been largely forgotten over the years. However, others like the Kirifuri, the Amida, and the Yōrō waterfalls are still popular tourist sites. In several prints, the waterfall dominates the pictorial space. This approach was pioneered two generations earlier by the great Kyoto painter Maruyama Ōkyo (1733–1795). In Hokusai’s case, he typically contrasts the majesty—and sound, which we can almost hear roaring in our ears—of nature with the tiny, fragile human elements that feature in some designs.
This series showcases his innovative approach to depicting water and movement. Hokusai employed bold lines and intricate detailing to convey the cascading water’s texture and flow. Hokusai’s work in this series was groundbreaking, influencing both his contemporaries and future generations of artists.
The Eight Enchanting Waterfalls
Let’s embark on a journey through the eight prints of this remarkable series, each one a testament to Hokusai’s genius.
1. The Amida Waterfall on the Kisokaidō Road
This print captures the majestic Amida Waterfall, named after Amida Nyorai, the Buddha of Infinite Light. Hokusai illustrates the waterfall plunging over a rugged cliff, framed by rocky outcrops and lush foliage. The figures at the base emphasize the scale and power of the falls. The composition draws the eye downward, mirroring the cascade of water.
Insights: Hokusai uses strong vertical lines to accentuate the height and force of the waterfall from the circular gorge above. The spiritual significance is underscored by the association with Amida Nyorai, inviting contemplation of the Pure Land paradise.
2. The Kirifuri Waterfall at Mount Kurokami in Shimotsuke Province
“Kirifuri” translates to “falling mist,” and Hokusai brings this to life with delicate lines representing the spray of the waterfall. The water fans out as it descends, creating a veil of mist. Figures climbing the steep path add a sense of adventure and scale to the scene.
Insights: The composition captures the viewer’s imagination, inviting them to feel the cool mist. Note the dynamic movement and the innovative use of negative space to depict the misty atmosphere.
3. The Yōrō Waterfall in Mino Province
This waterfall, located in present-day Gifu Prefecture, is associated with legends of miraculous healing waters. Hokusai portrays the waterfall cascading over a rocky ledge, with travelers admiring its beauty.
Insights: By including the Yōrō Waterfall, Hokusai connects his work to local folklore and the theme of rejuvenation. The site remains a popular tourist destination today.
4. The Roben Waterfall at Ōyama in Sagami Province
In this print, Hokusai depicts pilgrims visiting the sacred Roben Waterfall. The vertical composition accentuates the height of the falls, while the trees on either side elegantly frame the scene. The spiritual significance is palpable, with visitors shown purifying themselves in the waters.
Insights: The interplay between humans and nature is a central theme. Hokusai masterfully balances the composition, emphasizing the waterfall’s sanctity and the pilgrims’ reverence. The association with Shūgendō practices adds depth to the spiritual context.
5. The Waterfall Where Yoshitsune Washed His Horse at Yoshino in Yamato Province
This piece blends history and nature, referencing the legendary samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune. The waterfall is portrayed with a gentle flow, suitable for washing a horse. The inclusion of historical narrative adds depth to the natural setting, connecting the past with the present.
Insights: Hokusai integrates storytelling with landscape art. The depiction of Yoshitsune’s association with the site enhances its legendary status and invites viewers to reflect on the hero’s tragic story.
6. The Ono Waterfall on the Kisokaidō Road
Here, Hokusai presents a broad waterfall cascading over a rocky ledge. The foreground features travelers crossing a bridge, highlighting the intersection of human journey and natural splendor. The strong vertical lines of the falls contrast with the organic shapes of the trees, creating a balanced composition.
Insights: The harmonious blend of man-made structures with the natural environment, showcases Hokusai’s ability to capture everyday life within majestic settings.
7. The Kiyotaki Kannon Waterfall at Sakanoshita on the Tōkaidō Road
This print depicts the sacred Kiyotaki Falls, associated with the compassionate bodhisattva Kannon. Hokusai captures the tranquility of the scene, with water gently flowing over rocks. Pilgrims and travelers are shown in harmony with the environment, emphasizing the spiritual connection to nature.
Insights: The use of soft lines and subtle detailing creates a serene atmosphere. This print reflects Hokusai’s deep understanding of spirituality and its connection to the natural world. The association with Kannon highlights themes of mercy and compassion.
8. The Aoigaoka Falls in the Eastern Capital
And finally, this print features the Aoigaoka Waterfall located in Edo (present-day Tokyo), bringing the series closer to Hokusai’s home. Unlike the remote waterfalls depicted elsewhere, this urban waterfall was more accessible to his core audience.
Insights: Hokusai portrays the waterfall cascading gracefully amid the city’s outskirts. The inclusion of local flora and the depiction of townspeople enjoying the waterfall highlight the blend of natural beauty within an urban setting. The Aoigaoka Falls were associated with the Tokugawa shogunate, adding a layer of historical and political significance.
Insights from the Compositions
Hokusai’s compositions in this series are masterful. He employs a variety of perspectives, from the grandiose to the intimate. The use of line and form to depict water is particularly striking. Rather than relying on color gradients, Hokusai uses bold lines and patterns to convey the flow and power of waterfalls.
In several prints, the waterfall dominates the pictorial space. This approach, pioneered by Maruyama Ōkyo, allows the viewer to feel immersed in the scene. In Hokusai’s hands, this technique contrasts the majesty of nature with the tiny, fragile human elements. We can almost hear the roaring sound of the water, a testament to his skill in bringing the prints to life.
The inclusion of human figures serves multiple purposes. They provide scale, emphasize the spiritual and cultural significance of the locations, and invite viewers to place themselves within the scenes. The interaction between humans and nature is a recurring theme, highlighting both harmony and humility.
Hokusai’s innovative techniques also included his use of bokashi (color gradation) to enhance the prints’ depth and atmosphere.
The Legacy of the Series: A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces
This series has had a lasting impact on the appreciation of landscape in ukiyo-e. Hokusai’s innovative techniques influenced not only his contemporaries but also future generations of artists. His ability to capture the essence of water in motion was groundbreaking.
Moreover, these prints contributed to the Western fascination with Japanese art during the 19th century, a movement known as Japonisme. Artists like Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh drew inspiration from Hokusai’s work, integrating elements of his style into their own.
At a Bonhams auction on September 18, 2024, a complete set of Hokusai’s A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces sold for $508,500.
Reflecting on Hokusai’s Genius
As I reflect on A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces, I am struck by Hokusai’s profound connection with nature. His ability to convey the power, beauty, and spirituality of waterfalls transcends time and cultural boundaries. Each print invites us to pause, observe, and appreciate the natural wonders that surround us.
Hokusai once said, “From the age of six, I had a mania for drawing the shapes of things.” This lifelong passion is evident in every line of this series. Even in his later years, he continued to push the boundaries of his art, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate.
Read more:
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- 11 Most Influential Ukiyo-e Artists: Masters of Japanese Woodblock Prints
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At the Art of Zen we have a selection of original Japanese art prints in the ukiyo-e and Japandi style. Some of our best selling work is Mount Fuji wall art and Japandi wall art.
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