“The Dancing Auspicious Beasts That Captivated Hokusai: Dragons and Phoenixes”

The Hokusai Museum in Obuse presents a special exhibition titled “The Dancing Auspicious Beasts That Captivated Hokusai: Dragons and Phoenixes”. The exhibition explores the powerful and imaginative world of dragons and phoenixes as depicted by Katsushika Hokusai, one of Japan’s most celebrated ukiyo-e artists. 

In East Asian tradition, auspicious beasts (zuijū) are legendary creatures believed to appear as omens of good fortune and prosperity. Among them, dragons and phoenixes hold especially important symbolic roles, representing strength, wisdom, rebirth, and harmony. While Hokusai is widely known for his realistic portrayals of landscapes, plants, animals, and everyday life, he also possessed remarkable skill in depicting mythical and imaginary worlds. This exhibition highlights that lesser-known but equally compelling aspect of his artistic legacy.

Hokusai’s Vision of Dragons

A major highlight of the exhibition is the hand-painted hanging scroll Dragon Flying Over Mount Fuji, regarded as one of Hokusai’s greatest late-period masterpieces and often believed to be his final work. The painting depicts a single dragon soaring skyward after crossing the sacred peak of Mount Fuji, an image filled with spiritual power and personal symbolism. Some scholars interpret the ascending dragon as a metaphor for Hokusai himself, reflecting his lifelong pursuit of artistic transcendence even in his final years.

The exhibition also presents a variety of dragon depictions drawn from works such as Hokusai Manga and One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji. These include different types of dragons — ranging from rain-bringing dragons to responsive dragons — revealing the breadth of Hokusai’s knowledge, imagination, and storytelling ability.

Hokusai’s fascination with myth and folklore is further explored through works inspired by classical tales and legends. One notable piece depicts a scene from the myth of Yamata-no-Orochi, showing the dramatic confrontation between the storm god Susanoo and the fearsome multi-headed serpent. The carefully arranged sake vessels and the tension-filled composition evoke the climactic moment of the story.

Another section focuses on illustrations created for Hokuetsu Kidan (北越奇談), an essay collection by Tachibana Konron. These works depict encounters with dragons and supernatural phenomena based on Edo-period accounts and local lore. Dynamic compositions, swirling clouds, and powerful waves immerse viewers in scenes of awe and confrontation.

Phoenixes and the World of Auspicious Imagery

The exhibition also features phoenix-themed works, including rare hand-painted sketches connected to the celebrated ceiling painting at Ganshō-in Temple. These preparatory drawings provide valuable insight into Hokusai’s creative process and his deep connection to Obuse during his later years.

Additionally, visitors can explore phoenix imagery found in Hokusai’s instructional drawing books, such as Ehon Saishiki Tsū. Created as teaching materials for aspiring artists, these works demonstrate how Hokusai conveyed form, movement, and symbolism while passing on his artistic knowledge.

Contemporary Craft Meets Classical Art

Adding a contemporary dimension to the exhibition, a special collaborative project brings together traditional craft artisans who reinterpret Hokusai’s dragon and phoenix motifs through their own mediums. Inspired by Hokusai’s late ceiling paintings for the Higashimachi festival float, these newly created works showcase the enduring influence of his imagery across generations.

Participating artists include lacquerware artisan Megumi Shimamoto (Kyoto), textile artist Shirō Nakano (Wajima and Kanazawa), and ceramic artist Mie Nohara (Kyoto). Select works will be available for purchase, offering visitors a rare opportunity to take home pieces inspired by Hokusai’s vision.