The Great Picture Book of Everything; Hokusai's Unpublished Illustrations | Curator's Corner S6 Ep8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to give you the answers you so desire, plus a whole load of other things you didn't know you wanted to know about the unpublished encyclopaedia, 'The Great Picture Book of Everything', illustrated by the great Japanese artist, Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849).

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.

[PLuMUK]

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.

[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!

[llchapman]

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

[lisakilmer]

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!

[anneugartechea]

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!

[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.

[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.

[igorvoloshin]

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

[carlcapista]

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!

[Angayasse]

This was an exquisite treat! Thank you 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!

[pathardage]

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.

[zaczac]

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

[TorchwoodPandP]

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

[Mrchky]

00:55 The Great Picture Book Of Everything - Only the best title ever! 🙂

[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.

[cherry-vzkx]

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

[judehart]

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.

[lyndao]

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