Hotei 

This is Hotei by Katsushika Hokusai, made using ink on paper. The artwork strikes us with its balance between simplicity and expressiveness, capturing the essence of the Zen Buddhist figure through minimal, fluid brushstrokes. The composition centers on Hotei, depicted with swift, confident lines that define his form. There is a visual rhythm to how the dark ink creates depth and volume. Notice how Hokusai skillfully employs the negative space surrounding Hotei, which gives the artwork an airy and contemplative quality. This interplay is not merely aesthetic; it embodies the philosophical underpinnings of Zen, emphasizing emptiness as a form of fullness. The strokes challenge traditional representational modes, where line, form, and texture invite us to contemplate the nature of perception. In deconstructing conventional forms of representation, Hokusai pushes viewers to engage with the artwork on a deeper level, seeing beyond the surface to grasp the underlying essence.