Hokusai manga (Hokusai Sketchbooks), vol. 9 Possibly 1819

Editor: Here we have a page from Hokusai's Manga, volume nine. These sketches feel almost dreamlike, with the wavering lines of smoke. What catches your eye in this image? Curator: The way Hokusai captures movement is spellbinding, isn't it? Those plumes – are they smoke, or is he hinting at something more? Perhaps the ephemeral nature of life itself? Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. It really makes you wonder about the stories these sketches are trying to tell. Curator: Art often whispers, doesn't it? It's up to us to listen. Editor: Thanks for sharing your insight! Curator: My pleasure! It's been illuminating.