The Quick Pictorial Dictionary (Ehon hayabiki) 画本早引 Katsushika Hokusai 葛飾北斎

This rare volume, Ehon Hayabiki (Quick Pictorial Dictionary), is an illustrated book by the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. Around 1810, during his fifties, Hokusai adopted the pen name “Taito” and began focusing on creating e-tehon—illustration books designed as reference tools and textbooks for learning to draw. Throughout his career, Hokusai produced numerous e-tehon with a wide range of content, including drawing technique guides, art compilations, design resources for craftsmen, and painting manuals. Ehon Hayabiki exemplifies his lifelong dedication to art education and his lasting influence on artists and craftsmen alike.

Woodblock print, ink on handmade washi paper, with traditional Japanese stitched binding.

Exact date unknown, but published sometime in the mid-late 19th century.

For more details, visit the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Ehon Hayabiki.