Katsushika Hokusai ( * 1760 † 1849 )

Artist Katsushika Hokusai

Immerse yourself in the stunning world of images by Katsushika Hokusai – one of Japan’s most renowned artists! His iconic works, such as "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," blend traditional aesthetics with dynamic visual language and global influence. Discover his timeless motifs as a high-quality art print, stylish framed canvas, modern wood print, or artistic poster in the size of your choice!

Katsushika Hokusai was likely born on October 31, 1760 (the 23rd day of the ninth month of the 10th year of the Japanese Hōreki era) in Warigesui, Honjo, Edo (now Sumida, Tokyo). He was one of the most renowned Japanese painters, a representative of the Ukiyo-e genre ("pictures of the floating world" - prints with flowing, vibrant lines and free compositions). Later, he focused on classical Japanese themes and objects. As an artist, he was influenced by Chinese and Dutch landscape painting, as well as by the traditional Japanese Kanō school.

Hokusai's art impacted the formation of Japonism in Europe. Japanese art served as inspiration for Art Nouveau, Art Nouveau, and Impressionism at the time. He began drawing the things around him at the age of six. At 14, Hokusai worked as an apprentice to a woodcarver. Later, he was admitted to the studio of the esteemed painter and printmaker Katsukawa Shunsho.

Hokusai traveled extensively and lived in about 100 different places. He gained experience from various teachers and schools. During his nearly ninety-year life, he had about thirty different artist names. The pseudonyms referred to the companions of a particular period of his life. His works were known only in Japan for a long time. The reason for this was Japan's political and geographical situation. The country isolated itself from the rest of the world for over two centuries (17th-19th century).

Katsushika Hokusai was a very passionate and prolific painter. 30,000 works are attributed to him, including paintings, sketches, woodcuts, silk paintings, and 500 illustrated books. He depicted landscapes, female beauties, erotic illustrations, samurai, sumo wrestlers, and nature in a very poetic, sensual, and somewhat melancholic way.

Katsushika Hokusai inspired and popularized the now-popular comic style "Manga." Mangas are short stories that depict human life, culture, social issues, and moments from everyday Japanese life. His most famous print series is "36 Views of Mount Fuji," published between 1826 and 1833. The image "The Great Wave" is one of the most famous works from this series and is now famous worldwide.

On the 18th day of the fourth month of the Japanese calendar, May 10, 1849, Katsushika Hokusai passed away in Henjōin, Shōten-chō, Asakusa.

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All images by Katsushika Hokusai

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