Schetsboek van Hokusai 1819

Editor: This is Katsushika Hokusai's Sketchbook from 1819, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. It looks worn and simple; I am fascinated by the texture of the cover and the faded colours. It makes me wonder, what does the overall design communicate, stripped back to just the essential structure of the object itself? Curator: Observe how the geometric rectangles construct the book’s face. There's a dominance of horizontal lines that lend the object stability. Notice the careful, subtle color work of earth tones; it is not an exuberant image but a functional, yet appealing book. We can read this purely through the compositional elements, before even opening it to see the sketches it holds within. Don't you agree? Editor: That's an interesting viewpoint. Is it perhaps also drawing attention to itself as a container of artwork, so people handle it carefully and recognize that it has high intrinsic value, by its protective presentation? Curator: Precisely. Form precedes function, yet it also dictates its value in a tangible way. By that, the artist invites appreciation through visual interaction only, while promising even more in the book's contents, should they open it. The rough condition is perhaps more to do with its history? Editor: I never considered approaching the artwork in this manner before. Thank you for guiding me, this discussion has totally changed my perspective. Curator: Similarly, engaging in this conversation with you has brought forth a deeper, multifaceted appreciation for Hokusai's vision of this object and his intent.