peonies and canary hokusaiPeonies were popular in gardens during the Edo period. Katsushika Hokusai takes up this subject with talent by painting this composition. The flowers are faithfully represented, brought to life by elegant gradations. The play of light and shadow accentuates the volume and makes the painting more realistic. One would almost expect to see it come alive in a light breeze. The canary, with its wings spread, finishes by breathing life and movement into