Katsushika Hokuto Paintings

Katsushika Hokusai, often known simply as Hokusai, was a Japanese artist, ukiyo-e painter and printmaker of the Edo period. Born in Edo (now Tokyo) in 1760, Hokusai is best known for his woodblock print series 'Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji' which includes the internationally iconic print 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa'. Hokusai began painting at the age of six, but it was not until the age of 18 that he was allowed to enter the studio of Katsukawa Shunshō, an artist who specialized in ukiyo-e prints of courtesans and actors. Hokusai's early works were thus focused on similar subjects. However, after the death of Shunshō in 1793, Hokusai began to explore other styles and subjects, eventually distancing himself from the Katsukawa school.

Hokusai's career was marked by his constant experimentation with different styles and techniques. He changed his name multiple times throughout his life, each name marking a new stage in his artistic development. His names included Shunrō, Sōri, and lastly, Hokusai, which he used from 1798. He also referred to himself as 'Gakyō Rōjin Manji' (The Old Man Mad About Art) in his later years.

Hokusai's work includes thousands of paintings, woodblock prints, and book illustrations. He was highly influenced by Chinese painting styles, as well as Western art, which began to enter Japan during his lifetime. His most productive period began in the 1830s when he produced his most famous series, 'Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji'. This series was not only a commercial success but also a cultural phenomenon, influencing Japanese art and culture. His work had a significant impact on European Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, influencing artists like Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Vincent van Gogh.

Despite his success, Hokusai lived a modest life and was said to have moved residences over 90 times. His devotion to art was unyielding, and he is purported to have continued painting until his death in 1849. Hokusai's legacy endures, and his works are preserved in collections worldwide, continuing to inspire and captivate audiences with their dynamic compositions and vibrant use of color.