This is from Hokusai’s masterpiece ’One Hundred Views of Mt. Fuji’, created when he was in his mid 70s - his mature stage.

In the center a variety of stakes are visible, thick, narrow, short and long. They must be driven into the river bottom to protect the river bank from erosion. It is amazing that so many stakes, which are far from beautiful or interesting, are drawn in the center of the image filling the largest part of the space, and yet Hokusai still is able to compose a very attractive scene.

The daily lives of many ordinary people are depicted here, and interesting to see the men fishing among the stakes; perhaps many fish are hiding down there.

In the distance, Mt. Fuji looms as though it is watching over this peaceful scene.