Roben Waterfalls from the series Waterfalls of Various Provinces

Waterfalls of Various Provinces is a series of eight landscape woodblock prints created between 1830-1834 by ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. The series was the first to explore the artistic style of waterfalls and falling water motion, and gained popularity for its expressiveness and unique intensity. The waterfalls in this series have a commanding presence in each print, with the effect of making the surroundings seem miniature in comparison, while still full of life.

In Roben Waterfalls, the waterfall is the centerpiece of the print, collecting in a dramatic pool of water at the bottom. The viewers' eyes naturally follow the progression of the water, settling on a depiction of daily village life in the province. Hokusai’s fascination with the natural world continues to shine through with this print via accentuated features in the landscape.