The Great Picture Book of Everything; Hokusai's Unpublished Illustrations | Curator's Corner S6 Ep8

Do you know how a bear catches its lunch? What the mythical Chinese equivalent of waiting at the bus stop looks like? Can you identify Hokusai's favourite duck? Never fear, curator Alfred Haft is going to give you the answers you so desire, plus a whole load of other things you didn't know you wanted to know about the unpublished encyclopaedia, 'The Great Picture Book of Everything', illustrated by the great Japanese artist, Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849).
If you'd like to buy Tim Clark's book on the drawings, you can get it here: bit.ly/3CiiKBj
And if you can make it to London, grab a ticket for the exhibition here: bit.ly/3lxs0L3
Content Warning:
May contain anatomically questionable elephant, definitely contains Hokusai's favourite duck.
Double Content Warning:
That duck stares straight into your soul
#CuratorsCorner #HokusaisFavouriteDuck #GiantMythicalEggsAreJustEdoPeriodBusStops

[@LaurieEarly]

Haft’s enthusiasm is palpable. I really appreciated his insights. I wish I was in London to see this exhibition.

[@wajang1000]

Enthusiasm with competence. You can't beat that.

[@d.l.7399]

I'm not vaccinated, and will never be, so...

[@gbmbg114]

I was thinking the same thing! He’s so cool (and I feel like he’s even more excited than he’s letting on haha).. looks like a great exhibit!

[@Hate_wagon]

me too ....in new zealand we never get to see anything older than our country unfortunately/obviously.. Which is only 160 yrs ..

[@d.l.7399]

@@Hate_wagon I've seen Maori artefacts, much, much older. Relics of a great artful past...

[@MrXon]

I saw that David Bull has collaborated with the British Museum to create woodblock prints of this series in the next 2 years. Looking forward to what his group comes up with, he is a master at his craft!

[@PLuMUK54]

My new "favourite" Curator's Corner. I was reminded of an overexcited child (in the nicest possible way) who has received a new toy that they breathlessly tell everyone about, but quietly and calmly because they don't want to "frighten" it away... A truly delightful way to start my day...utterly exquisite art, and the combination of passion and knowledge are a heady mix. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@brianpeers]

This presenter does a really good job. I like his style. Thanks also to all those behind him who made this an entertaining informative watch. I love Hokusai.

[@llchapman1234]

I love Curator's Corner! The Narrator really conveys his excitement and wonder about these exquisite drawings. Well done!

[@TorchwoodPandP]

Best Content Warning ever: May contain anatomically questionable elephant, definetely contains Hokusai’s favourite duck!

[@willhouse]

Gotta love how dorkily giddy this guy is while describing such a genuinely lovely & magically unique collection of works... & that, by the end of the video, we're all just as nerdily eager to see more.

[@anneugartechea7650]

The “special paper” is called suminagashi. It consists of washi (rice paper) which is placed, after several inks have been added to the water, on top. There are many ways to add a design. This paper is lifted out after the pattern has set. It is then placed out to dry. With both the box and inside top of the box matching, you get an idea of the size of the paper. I’ve done this for over 20 years and always learn something new. There are books on this if you want to study it in depth. Thank you for noting how the “blocks” are set!

[@casteretpollux]

Thanks. Do you teach online?

[@anneugartechea7650]

@@casteretpollux , no such luck! I am what St. Hildegard de Bingen (13th century) was called: a polymath. So many areas of interest. If I can, I try to share what's in my brain and hope not to sound like a "know it all". Anne Chambers wrote an excellent text on Suminagashi. And, you probably can also look it up on KZbin. This new fangled age never ceases to amaze me. I love resting my iPad on my chest (bedtime) and stopping to go to Chrome to look up words etc. Less weighty than Webster's Dictionary. Time to wrap this up for the night. Best to you in your endevors. One may not hold a college degree...but, that never stops a curious mind!

[@petercarver582]

@@anneugartechea7650 No Degree ever will stop a curious mind... Just being born that way is priceless!!

[@sinjofin1]

Thank you for that detail most valuable, was this a result of the misu trade?

[@anneugartechea7650]

@@sinjofin1 You've got me there. I refer "misu" to soup (Japanese). Didn't seem to find your specific reference...doesn't mean it doesn't exist!

[@lisakilmer2667]

This is one of the best Curator's Corners. I love Japanese prints and it's great to hear a curator explain details. I also Really Like the graphics that were added to enhance the mini-lecture!

[@igorvoloshin3406]

Oh thank you! What a delight to see these masterpieces and to hear them masterfully explained! Many thanks and greetings from Ukraine! 🇺🇦👍

[@carlcapista7276]

All museums should watch this program and learn from the masters at The British Museum. The curator is Alfred Haft. He is an excellent speaker and his enthusiasm is infectious. This is a well produced program with images shown in closeup and with well thought out explanations. Well Done!

[@sumerandaccad]

It's a good way of conveying the meaning of the exhibits which we common laymen would not have gathered just on viewing. It would be a Herculean task but a library of the items on line would be beneficial to the whole planet.

[@britishmuseum]

We have already achieved what only a day ago was deemed a task only achievable by the Legendary Hercules. You can see all 103 drawings here: bit.ly/2XmHRUD

[@ruthe.claussen1416]

@@britishmuseum Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@zaczac9580]

NOOOO ! ... oh , that was so fantastic , I would love to watch you enterprit every single card and more ! thankyou - lovely !

[@Angayasse]

This was an exquisite treat! Thank you Alfred!:)

[@pathardage1880]

I was particularly enchanted by Mr. Haft's barely contained enthusiasm and love for his subject. Oh, and the art was wonderful, too. Particularly the duck. Thank you.

[@GarnetLynne]

As someone who uses ink in my work a lot, I really appreciate this and want the book. Alas poor artist won't be able to go to London to see it in person. Love this so much thank you.

[@theresa2245]

I love this guy. So knowledgeable. So passionate about Japan, woodcutting, and especially Hokusai!. Thank you for allowing viewers to see this curator. Very special person.

[@DanLizotte]

I love the callouts for the elements of the drawings as they are described; they are so subtle but add so much. Is it Roux Malherbe doing production? They deserve a raise.

[@kennethbethea213]

Absolutely love this video. I love Asian art and the curator’s energy and passion for it makes me want to be a curator now 😃 Thank you for sharing!

[@judehart3455]

I so enjoyed your insight into this collection, thank you Mr Haft. I'm so fortunate to live in London and be a member of the museum. Will be visiting very soon.

[@_de_reve]

as an art historian specializing in east asian art this was such a delightful treat of a video!!! loved Mr. Hafts insights and apparent enthusiasm which reminds me of my uni days when we students got to see our professor's original raku ware collection in the flesh ahaha✨

[@shiraga0516]

I, as a Japanese living in the UK, am looking forward for the exhibition!

[@joby2174]

As you're Japanese may I ask you how the writing is in Japanese but the characters are Chinese? Also how do you like the UK? :)

[@bluesandroots2008]

Joby The Human We’ve used Chinese characters for Japanese phonetics. Just how alphabets are used in English.

[@mysticdragon2101]

@@joby2174 Historically, Japan, China, Korea, and Vietnam used Classical Chinese (古文）as the language of scholarship and formal literature. Classical Chinese, which is sometimes interchangeably referred to as literary Chinese, is NOT THE SAME thing as modern, vernacular Mandarin. The use of Classical Chinese in these nations is very analogous to how Latin was used in Europe for centuries. Because of this, many loan words entered in the Japanese language and these loans words are still written in Kanji (a.k.a. Chinese characters); also similar to how English has a ton of words coming from Latin and French. In the case of Japanese, Chinese Characters are also frequently used to represent native Japanese words (depending on the reading of the character) as well as loan words. This is what is meant by the curator when he said the text was in Japanese using Chinese characters. It should be noted that Mandarin Chinese and Japanese are NOT the same languages, even though both languages preserve the use of characters. That would be like saying French and English are the same languages simply because both use alphabets derived from the Latin, and both have many words with Latin roots. I hope this helps!

[@mercurywoodrose]

im so happy you get to go. i will not be going, as i live in california and cannot afford to travel. be assured, i will see these if they every tour.

[@atsukorichards1675]

見に行けるとは、羨ましい限りです!

[@WalksofJapan]

Thank you so much for this. I am working on the descriptions for a Hokusai scroll depicting the journey by boat along the Sumida River to the Yoshiwara.

[@idrissamorehouse5776]

Omg!! Hokusai is legend!! To think my ipad and KZbin could enable me to have a private viewing of these treasures = SUPREME GOODNESS - thank you for sharing your time and passion - i hope there can be a part 2 and 3 and 4 so we can see all of the drawings :))))!

[@vickiharrington8870]

Well that was really delightful. Appreciate it Alfred!

[@britishmuseum]

Start your own Hokusai research by getting the book Alfred mentioned in the video: bit.ly/3AjetNp And if you can make it to the Museum, tickets are available here: bit.ly/3EnVkMP Every purchase supports the Museum, and helps us make more videos like this one. You can also check out the drawings on Collection Online: bit.ly/2XmHRUD Cheers for watching!

[@mothratemporalradio517]

That was excellent, thank you so much! i only wish i could get to the museum in person. Thanks for posting the link to the collections in live chat. i was just wondering, would it potentially be possible to post it here? It might be great for international viewers (especially those in lockdown) who do not watch the live chat (and therefore won't see it). Alfred was a joy to watch. I hope we may have the opportunity to see more of him! Thanks again 🙏 and good luck with the exhibit! i hope you get lots of visitors, i only wish i could be among them myself ♥️ ps although cats with flowers makes it a tough choice, i think my favourite has to be "Falkor".. Who could resist that face? 🐉☁️

[@LaurieEarly]

Thanks for the content warnings in the description, lol 🤣.

[@britishmuseum]

We take our audiences' safety very seriously

[@britishmuseum]

@@mothratemporalradio517 Done!

[@d00dEEE]

£20 for the book but £30 for international (US) shipping... OUCH. Do you have US affiliates, maybe hook up with Smithsonian or something, to distribute your wares at more reasonable shipping costs?

[@angelar2197]

Lovely introduction to Hokusai's drawings. i enjoyed the exhibition, and my enjoyment has just been enhanced by this film. The highlighting of specific lines & features is really helpful.

[@roberthoward8463]

Hello, how are you?

[@MoYvStarkey]

I love the profile of the man taking the the moon. He is absolutely focused on the job. Hokusai is a true observer and his renderings are so elegant. Thank you for this.

[@a.t.c.3862]

What a joy to be able to learn from someone who has such knowledge and passion for his subject. Thank you.

[@andrewshelley3860]

Alfred you are rightly becoming a Curator star! Loved the presentation and I'm looking forward to the exhibition.

[@xouat]

Wonderful video and a excellent presenter. This is the first time I’m seeing Hokusai’s actual brushwork. Outstanding! Thank you for this

[@joelwebster8227]

A marvellous addition to this wonderful series from the BM.

[@captcardor]

Hokusai was obviously enormously curious and inquisitive about society, nature and the world around him. He is an excellent "doorway" into the thinking of Japanese society of his time. In particular, I like the reference to how Hokusai influences manga drawing today. It demonstrates how the past can have such a profound influence on our own thoughts and perceptions. Thank you for a thoughtful and uplifting presentation.

[@rashakawa]

I could have sat here and listened to him talk about every last one... I love when you learn something from someone who truly loves what they are teaching you.

[@KpxUrz5745]

A rare pleasure to see original Hokusai's! Incredible!

[@Cash5YR]

God, this resonated with me so very much. His almost unbridled enthusiasm and happiness of presenting these works is just a beautiful. Everything from this series hits that chord in me that made me go into history as a field of study.

[@cherry-vz5kx]

What a beautiful presentation.I look forward to your next Curator`s Corner.

[@OceanSwimmer]

Thank you, Mr. Haft. Nicely presented, and carefully explained. The red line reinforcement highlighting common elements is very helpful. Greetings from California, where Hokusai is appreciated!

[@user-im8qz8fu8t]

The wood box with sliding cover is chinese style and made in Japan. The Marble papers were made after 1920s after Nishi Honganji Sanju-rokunin Kashu.

[@lyndao7356]

What a wonderful presentation. Mr Haft loves his work. So do I.

[@Ammon6]

The one about lightning strike is simply amazing

[@user-wk1mw9nj3i76]

Extraordinary Curator’s Corner presentation and subject. It’s great to see Hokusai’s personality in the artistic choices. And the box! Thank you so much, British Museum and Curator Haft. From Minnesota, USA.

[@miguelluis483]

These pictures, which I'd never heard of before, will be published in a 50 dollar book available as of November 30 this year, and the weird thing is this 12 minute video has got me actually considering buying it

[@peterhaslund]

This is amazing, vividly recall visiting the Hok'sai museum and seeing for the first time his actual works, not the prints, reaching out across the centuries to touch my soul

[@OTTB]

Well done to whoever wrote the video description. That duck did leave an impression on me.

[@mattsephton]

Have to say the video animations outlining objects were stellar. And the explanations too. Great job all round.

[@stefan2292]

Charming! Fascinating! Many thanks to you, Mr. Haft.

[@kikishoshannacarter3089]

Mr. HALFT'S Storytelling had my full attention, not to mention his wonderful choice of subject and the brilliant art that accompanied his video presentation. This is a 10 out of 10 and I'm patiently awaiting his next production.

[@MrGordo80]

A fantastic post. Thank you so much for putting this up. It leaves me wanting to know more. Must pick up that publication.

[@lauraramsay1640]

Such a delightful presentation delivered with charming enthusiasm and obvious love of the subject. It was a great pleasure to find this before I see the exhibition for myself next week.

[@GreekLady188]

Mr. Cook did a wonderful job! I will be purchasing your book. Thank you. This channel is outstanding.

[@feralbluee]

this is fascinating. the one thing though about the cats. first i noticed their claws are out. i don’t think he would have missed that cat’s claws are usually hidden. from each cat’s stance, it looks like they are thinking of attacking each other. Their backs are arched, they’re vocalizing, and their takes are swishing; (you can tell by how he drew them. cats’ tails are not in those positions if they’re calm.) i’m beginning to appreciate Asian art, because of all the videos explaining techniques and reasons for various methods. i love these drawings, prints, etc. ⛩🏗🏔

[@pattheplanter]

I don't know how recent _hanakotoba_ is but in that Japanese language of flowers the hibiscus represents gentleness. An interesting juxtaposition.

[@juliar2462]

For those who didn't have a chance to see the exhibition - buy the catalogue if you can. The texture is not as visible, but in fact, the pictures are better, because on the exhibition you watch them from some distance and there are many people - so I truly only study it properly now, with this video and a book.

[@LaurieEarly]

The explosion piece reminds me of Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam“, the brain-like shape

[@mothratemporalradio517]

that piece also looks so modern! Love it. What a style!

[@kentbehrens2814]

Thank you for presenting this priceless video of a priceless collection of drawings. Hope to see for real some day.

[@l.baughman1445]

Squeal!!!!!! My Art History prof would be thrilled!! I shall get this book. What a treat to see these drawings up close !!

[@lizziematteri4218]

I wished you had shown more😍, they are so beautiful and loved how the artist stylized the animals in his artwork.

[@jordangroff8978]

Really love the bear one!

[@mwj5368]

So great Tim Clark knows how to read Japanese and Chinese characters, amazing! I like how he brings out the meanings which relates to so much, Japanese mythology, Chinese and Indian ways intermingled, great! Also the camera work is brilliant, the closeups and how they outline or encircle coordinated with Tim's narration. I wish I could see the show and also how such a major collection made its way to the museum, the story behind the story. Thank you for this fine video!

[@johnanderson3022]

What a treasure. Beautiful artwork and also such a great presentation. I really enjoyed this. Thanks for posting.

[@Mookd0g1]

Thanks for sharing these sublime works. So wonderful!

[@davepowell7168]

Thanks for this fascinating glimpse of this artists work, your insights are appreciated.

[@sinjofin1]

Thank you so much for this i have been to several Hokusai exhibitions in Asia and Australia and have replicas of some of his work AT Home. I now have a purpose to vist London again. Most interesting presentation .

[@forestreader]

Wow Alfred Haft is almost shaking handling these prints, it's very clear how passionate he is about this

[@susanhepburn6040]

Thank you so much for this! Your love of the drawings shines through. I am delighted to hear of the accompanying book as I am unable to travel and ordered it after watching your presentation - thank you!

[@wyioughta]

How wonderful of you to share such a fabulous collection.Thank you so much. It was a nice interpretation.

[@HecmarJayam]

I'm so thankful these are preserved and will be shared with the people. Stunning work by the master.

[@STOG01]

Any single illustration would be the pride of any collector.

[@zam6877]

I was in high-school, I became enthralled in Japanese woodblock prints When I came on Yoshitoshi's "One Hundred Aspects of the Moon" at a bookstore I had to buy it!

[@RaduB.]

There is more to learn, indeed! Thank you for a great presentation!

[@adagietto2523]

These are amazing, I would happily watched the curator going through the whole box. Alas, I cannot visit the exhibition, but I will certainly look though all of them online. What a treasure-box.

[@alanahawthorne2053]

Thank you so much Mr Haft, that was so enjoyable, I wish you could go through ALL those pictures with us. I will look out now for the forms, line, and brush/cut marks, showing in such a subtle way rank and position. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm.

[@rembvanrijn]

Fabulous! Thank you for this fascinating introduction to these magical Hokusai drawings. I wouldn’t miss this exhibition for anything.

[@jeaninewallace5538]

Mr Haft's enthusiasm and loving presentation of this true trouvaille is wonderful and makes me want to drop everything and fly to London to see the exhibition! Thank You for this, greetings from Switzerland ❣️

[@roberthoward8463]

Hello, how are you?

[@Sebinglese]

Golden content. Love this channel so much!

[@Cssfiend]

Although I enjoy curators corner, I had missed this video, was very happy to see it recommended after seeing David Bull's video about your collaboration, will be great to see some of these brought to fruition

[@seanrimada8571]

Thanks to every resource employed on this very interesting explanation, specially the artist.

[@atar212]

Please....Go through them one by one. What an absolute treasure.

[@Demosthenes042]

One of the best corners so far, thank you!

[@MsLeenite]

What a lovely video! Thank you for posting this.

[@monicacallesarenales5865]

Love love love Hokusai's work... thanks again for your videos :)

[@UnclePutte]

Endlessly fascinating works and enthusiastic presentation. Thanks a lot.

[@lukerabin5079]

Easily my favourite Japanese artist of that period, and one of my favourite styles of art. Thank you for sharing your passion.

[@markhughes7927]

Deep knowledge worn lightly - such warm pleasure! No words!

[@JW-yt7lr]

Such an excellent presentation . I have loved Hokusai's work for ages . Inspired now to get the book .

[@kerynadcock2226]

Totally wonderful & skilful drawings from a genius!, thanks for explaining them - hope to get to see the exhibition one day.

[@rooster7899]

Beautiful. Thank you for your presentation.

[@elkiness]

This is wonderful! I love the presentation....one of my favorite artists, what a delight.

[@roberthoward8463]

Hello, how are you?

[@judyorourke2410]

Thank you so much, this is wonderful!!!!!

[@tundrasretreat]

I'd highly recommend to anyone reading the comments if they ever have a chance to get to Japan; go to the Hokusai Museum in Obuse! It's absolutely breathtaking and the town of Obuse itself is stunning (definitely pick up some of their famous chestnuts while you're there- my fave was the chestnut icecream). It's only a ten minute walk from Obuse station, so it's not too hard to get there. It's an incredible museum, and I spent most of the rest of the day in awe.

[@rhohoho]

This is wonderful, thank you!

[@afinevideo2454]

Excellent presentation by an excellent speaker who I hope gives us more videos. His enthusiasm is perfect, drawing us to the artist and the information about each drawing. LOVED that at the end we are invited to research Hokusai's drawings on our own - and to share back!

[@saraht4973]

Great presentation, love learning , THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@feralbluee]

the peak in the moon myth also balances the work. he’s a great artist both generally and in Asian art. his faces also have expression, they’re not just a fixed style, which much of Chinese art seems to be for me. thank you so much for this. and i’m so glad it was shown in my suggestions. stay safe. 🌷🖋🖌 (i hope the book is not too expensive - us non-well-to-do people are very much interested in things only some people get to do!! thank goodness for YT!!! :)

[@jmiquelmb]

The Virudhaka drawing is absolutely incredible. The curator is on point, this follows the style of modern manga and it was done hundreds of years ago. In fact, most manga artists couldn’t draw such a dynamic panel with this great line work. An artist advanced to his time

[@MazinGo-1972]

There is no direct connection you dip.

[@bambledaczymbledek]

Thank you for this wonderful glimpse into the book.

[@tomjares7559]

Fabulous! What a find. Thank you

[@davewalker3561]

I’m no refined art enthusiast but have always admired much of what I’ve seen. This series is very educational and entertaining. Thanks.

[@SandDancing]

Thank you so mch for your enthusiasic and warm presentation of this book! It makes me want to come to the exhibition in spite of my fears of the pandemic. I am so glad there will be a book.

[@vickisullivan8786]

Thank you so much for this insightful talk, I would love to see this exhibition. The book would be wonderful also

[@roberthoward8463]

Hello, how are you?