Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

This elegant painting by Katsushika Hokusai presents a carefully composed portrait of a woman standing in traditional Japanese attire. The woman is depicted in a full-length format, facing left, which grants her a stately presence. The composition is vertical, emphasizing the gracefulness and stature of the figure.

The woman's kimono is adorned with a striking check design, a classic pattern within traditional Japanese textiles, known as "ichimatsu" pattern. The checks are uniform, creating a rhythmic pattern that contrasts beautifully with the flow and softness of the fabric. The colors used in the checks are likely muted earth tones, a hallmark of Hokusai's subtle yet effective palette choices; this allows for a delicate interplay of shades that is both visually soothing and rich.

Her posture is composed and her gaze meditative, her right hand holding a traditional Japanese fan, which is slightly unfurled. The fan, small yet detailed, adds an element of movement and function to her otherwise serene and poised stance.

The background of the painting is intentionally understated, usually found in Hokusai's portraits, putting the full focus on the figure of the woman, thereby highlighting her importance and dignity.

The adept use of line and shading creates a sense of volume and texture in her clothing, as well as her skin and hair, making her appear almost lifelike despite the minimalistic approach. The hair is styled in a fashionable up-do, common in the Edo period, further indicating her social status and the care involved in her presentation.

Artist Background:
Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) is one of Japan's most renowned and influential ukiyo-e (woodblock print) masters. Hokusai's career spanned over seventy years, during which he produced numerous works that encompassed a wide variety of subjects, including landscapes, flora, fauna, and portraits. Hokusai is best known for his "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji" series, especially the iconic "The Great Wave off Kanagawa."

Artistic Movement:
The painting fits within the Edo period, particularly in the later stage of Hokusai's career, when he delved deeper into capturing human figures, particularly women, in their daily or posed elegance. While much of Hokusai's fame stems from his landscape works, his portraits showcase his versatility and detailed attention to the subtleties of human expression and traditional attire.

Location and Details of Original Painting:
The precise location of this particular painting might not be singularly documented, as many of Hokusai's works form parts of various collections across the world. Notably, museums such as the Tokyo National Museum, the British Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York hold substantial collections of Hokusai's works. It is advisable to consult these institutions' catalogs or databases for specific holding details.

Noteworthy Details:

1. Technique and Style: Hokusai's techniques in woodblock printing and painting are distinctly represented in this work. His keen eye for detail translates to the intricate patterns of the kimono and the delicate folds of the fabric.

2. Cultural Representation: The painting exemplifies the cultural richness of the Edo period—the elegance of traditional kimonos, the use of fans, and the social stature of women depicted in art.

3. Symbolism and Elements: The fan in her right hand is more than a mere accessory; it often symbolizes grace and social manners in Japanese culture. The check pattern, known as "ichimatsu moyo," has historical significance and was popular during the Edo period for garments and other textiles.

4. Form and Composition: Hokusai's adept use of form to convey movement and stillness simultaneously is apparent. The woman's poised yet relaxed stance embodies calmness, while the flowing lines of her kimono hint at movement.

This painting is a testament to Hokusai's enduring legacy and his remarkable ability to capture elegance and cultural essence through his detailed and harmonious compositions. The artwork remains a significant piece reflecting Edo-period aesthetics and societal values.