HOKUSAI (1760–1849) SEVERAL ICHIJI SHITA-E ON A SINGLE SHEET Sumi ink on fine paper. Collector’s seal of Hayashi Tadamasa in the lower left-hand corner. (Fading, soiling). DIM. 27 X 38.4 CM (10 5/8 X 15 1/8 IN.) These sketches clearly illustrate Hokusai’s working method, in which he would sketch various designs onto a single sheet, largely depending on the available space, hence the varied orientation of the drawings. Ichiji shita-e were, by definition, free and spontaneous initial sketches. The variations in line thickness and the dynamism of the subjects are clearly evident here. The transparent paper, which Hokusai hardly used at all from around 1827–1828 onwards, allows these drawings to be dated to before that time.