Boy releasing a kite
- Date:
- c. 1800/10
- Medium:
- Color woodblock print; ebangire, surimono
- Format:
- Oban
- Source:
- Art Institute of Chicago
Description
A young boy launches a kite into a clear sky, the taut string angling upward while he tilts his head back to track its ascent in this ebangire surimono from around 1800–10. Kite-flying was a fixture of New Year celebrations for children, and Hokusai captures both the physics of the moment — body weight shifted back, arms extended — and the simple delight of a seasonal childhood pleasure.
More Prints by Katsushika Hokusai
Hokusai manga (Hokusai Sketchbooks)
19th century
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Fukuroi
1804
Japanese woodblock print
The Fishermen of Katase Hauling in Their Nets: The Purple Shell (Murasakigai)
1821
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Burdock Root (Kurama gobo), from the series "A Selection of Horses (Uma-zukushi)"
1822
Color woodblock print; shikishiban, surimono
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Frequently Asked Questions
Boy releasing a kite was created by Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾北斎) in c. 1800/10.
Boy releasing a kite depicts children and daily life.