Minneapolis Institute of Art

Chrysanthemums and Horsefly

Katsushika Hokusai; Publisher: Nishimuraya Yohachi

Date: c. 1833–34
Medium: Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper
Department: Asian Art
Institution: Minneapolis Institute of Art

Imported from China in the 8th or 9th century, the chrysanthemum ( kiku ) has been an abiding motif in the work of Japanese poets, painters, and textile designers. The imperial family adopted the chrysanthemum as its official emblem. Hokusai, interestingly, paired his chrysanthemums with a common horsefly ( abu ), perhaps implying his independence from the flower’s august history. Asia

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