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"Japanese woman (1760-1849)" is a captivating work by the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, celebrated for his masterful contributions to the ukiyo-e, or "pictures of the floating world," genre. Though Hokusai is most famous for his woodblock print series "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji," this particular painting showcases his lesser-known but equally captivating skill in capturing the subtleties of human subjects.

In this piece, Hokusai portrays a Japanese woman dressed in traditional attire. Her figure is graced with a flowing kimono, meticulously detailed with intricate patterns and vibrant colors. Each fold and drape of the fabric is executed with precision, reflecting Hokusai’s unparalleled ability to render texture and movement. The woman's hair is styled in a traditional coiffure, adorned with delicate hairpins, adding to her serene and poised demeanor. Her face is marked by a calm expression, with delicate features that convey both grace and introspective beauty.

Set against a minimalistic and unembellished backdrop, the emphasis remains on the figure of the woman. This stylistic choice enhances her presence, making her the unmistakable focal point of the composition. The simplicity of the background draws attention to the detailed rendering of her attire and her poised tranquility. The painting’s color palette is harmonious, utilizing gentle tones that contrast with the intense vibrancies found in some of Hokusai’s landscape works.

Information about the Original Painting and the Artist:

1. Artist and Time Period:
Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) is widely considered one of Japan’s most eminent artists, particularly noted for his influence on the development of the ukiyo-e art form. Born in Edo (now Tokyo), Hokusai produced o\tens of thousands of artworks throughout his extensive career, ranging from woodblock prints to paintings and sketches.

2. The Artist’s Career and Artistic Movement:
Hokusai’s career spanned seven decades, during which he continuously reinvented his style. His oeuvre includes not only landscape prints but also portraits, nature studies, and scenes of daily life. Ukiyo-e, the genre in which he excelled, originally focused on the depiction of kabuki actors and beautiful women. However, Hokusai expanded this subject matter significantly, bringing landscapes and everyday scenes into prominence.

3. Location of the Original Painting:
The specific original of "Japanese woman (1760-1849)" may be part of a private collection or housed in a specific museum known for its Japanese art holdings. Works by Hokusai can be found in major institutions across the globe, such as the Tokyo National Museum, the British Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the Art Institute of Chicago. For exact details, it is advisable to check the respective museum or authoritative databases on Japanese art.

4. How the Painting Fits into the Artist’s Career:
This painting fits within the broader context of Hokusai’s exploration of human subjects. Despite his fame for landscapes, works like "Japanese woman (1760-1849)" highlight his ability to capture the elegance and subtleties of human expression. This painting represents his versatile mastery over different subjects and styles within the ukiyo-e tradition.

5. Noteworthy Details:
The attention to detail in the kimono patterns and the lifelike representation of the woman’s serene expression is noteworthy. It underscores Hokusai’s dedication to both beauty and realism, marking him as a bridge between traditional Japanese aesthetics and the burgeoning interest in realism during his time. Additionally, the choice of subject matter—a single, dignified female figure—can be seen as a tribute to the timeless elegance and endurance of Japanese cultural identity.

In summary, "Japanese woman (1760-1849)" by Katsushika Hokusai is a significant work that exemplifies the artist’s profound skill in human portraiture. It provides a refined glimpse into traditional Japanese attire and the aesthetic values of the period, encapsulated by one of the most influential artists in the history of Japanese art.