Orange orchids 

Katsushika Hokusai made this print of orange orchids using woodblock on paper, probably in the early 19th century. The image is striking in its simplicity, but also reveals much about the status of the artist in Japanese society at the time. Hokusai was a highly prolific and successful artist, yet prints like this were considered a popular art form. Woodblock prints were relatively inexpensive and widely accessible, but that didn't stop Hokusai and others from using them to make profound statements. The image's delicate lines and subtle colors evoke a sense of harmony and balance. But don't be fooled, this was a society with rigid class structures and strict social expectations. By focusing on the natural world, Hokusai was able to express his own individuality and creativity, while also commenting on the transience and beauty of life. To understand this print more fully, we need to research the social and economic conditions of 19th-century Japan, as well as the history of printmaking and the art market.