Dragon - Patch

Each iron patch measures 3" x 3", with slight variation based on the design.

The Dragon depicts a powerful and large dragon on a red background, surrounded by waves that are reminiscent of the style of The Great Wave. The painting is one of the largest pieces of artwork Hokusai ever created. Over the centuries, this iconic work of art has been an inspiration for many, and it is still recognized as a masterpiece today.

To achieve this grandiose artwork, Hokusai employed the technique of Nikuhitsu-ga, a form of painting within the Ukiyo-e style that could produce far larger paintings than his woodblock prints. He used this technique to produce Dragon and Phoenix which were both used to cover the ceiling of a festival float. 

Hokusai's work transformed the ukiyo-e artform from a style of portraiture largely focused on courtesans and actors into a much broader style of art that focused on landscapes, plants, and animals.Over his career, Hokusai used more than 30 different names, always beginning a new cycle of works by changing it, and letting his students use the previous name.