Pheasant and Snake: A Striking Work from the School of Hokusai

Pheasant and Snake — 雉子と蛇

School of Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾北斎一門) | Edo period, 18th–19th century

A pheasant and a snake confront one another in this vividly observed Japanese artwork. Museum cataloguing attributes the work to the School of Katsushika Hokusai, rather than establishing it as the master's own hand. The precise date and individual artist are not confirmed here. 🐍

Nature at a Moment of Tension

The pheasant's long tail and alert posture meet the snake's watchful gaze and coiling body. Their opposing shapes give the scene its charge: the encounter feels poised between stillness and movement. 🌸

Looking Closely

Details of scales, feathers, and the pheasant's red facial skin draw attention to the careful observation behind the composition. The tension lies not only in the animals' confrontation but also in the contrast between their different textures and forms. 🎴

The School of Hokusai

Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) inspired artists working around him and in his artistic tradition. The attribution School of Katsushika Hokusai recognizes that connection without assigning this particular work to Hokusai personally. ⛩️

Explore more stories behind Japanese art at Atelier UKIYO.