Bullfinch and Weeping Cherry, Katsushika Hokusai (1839)
Like the Hydrangea and Swallow, this print by Hokusai presents a natural scene typical of his country. Once again, it is a duo composed of a bird and a flower. Here it is a bullfinch and cherry blossoms.
The cherry tree is a well-known symbol of Japan, its flowers being the national flower. They appear light pink and white and grow directly from the branch, as painted by Hokusai here. These flowers are best seen in spring, especially on the island of Hokkaido.
Less known than the swallow, the bullfinch is a rather stocky bird, with a grey (upper body) and black (wings) appearance.
In this work, Hokusai uses the famous Prussian blue to colour his background. This blue, which made him famous at the time (from 1829, when it was imported from Europe).
