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Hokusai Inspiration

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© 1998 L.J.C. and Todd Shimoda

Hokusai

 

An illustration of a Japanese folk tale in which a fisherman finds a beautiful feathered robe hanging from a pine tree. The man plans to keep the robe and take it home, but first celebrates his discovery with a sip of sake, marveling at Mt Fuji's reflection in the liquid. The tale ends when the original owner of the robe dons the garment and dashes the fisherman's hopes by flying off into the sky.

 

L.J.C.Shimoda

First frame: Rather than a robe in a pine tree, how about a pine tree in a robe?

Second frame: The man's face! Hokusai has captured the look of smug good fortune, suprise, and playfulness; this detailed expression is worthy of a closer look.

Double frame: Imagine a salaryman of today happening upon a feathered robe, trying to stuff it into his briefcase, only to find it taking flight from his grasp.

 

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