Every now and then, we find ourselves captivated by the elegance of Japanese aesthetics and art. This time, let’s explore the legacy of an artist who called himself Gakyō Rōjin—”Old Man Mad About Art.” He’s widely known as Hokusai, and his work has touched countless lives.
Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) is a legendary ukiyo-e artist, most famous for his print The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Created in 1831, it’s the first piece in his “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” series, made striking with the use of Prussian blue.
Hokusai’s Great Wave is more than a masterpiece; it’s influenced artists across generations, including Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and even composer Claude Debussy, who drew inspiration from its beauty.
During the creation of The Great Wave, Hokusai faced serious hardships. He lost his wife in 1828 and struggled with financial problems in 1829, leading him into poverty. Around 1,000 copies of The Great Wave were initially printed, but only about 100 survive today.
Other famous prints in his Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji series include Fine Windm, Shimomeguro, Clear Morning and Thunderstorm Beneath the Summit. These works inspired the Impressionists; Edmond de Goncourt once noted “the album that inspires landscapes of the present moment.”
Hokusai was constantly reinventing himself, changing his name over 30 times throughout his career. Each name marked a new artistic phase, reflecting his evolution and curiosity. He even created a series of sketchbooks called Hokusai Manga! In Hokusai’s time, “manga” referred to spontaneous sketches of daily life, and his Hokusai Manga books capture everything from landscapes to animals to mythical creatures, showcasing his mastery of diverse subjects.
A lifelong learner, Hokusai studied various influences, from Chinese painting and Japanese folklore to Western techniques and perspective. He claimed he wouldn’t be satisfied with his art until he reached age 110, and he worked tirelessly until his passing at 89.
Hokusai’s work endures as a universal symbol of beauty and resilience, inspiring people around the world to this day. His legacy reminds us of the boundless possibilities of creativity and the power of art to transcend time and culture.
If you enjoyed this, explore our selection of fun and practical Hokusai-inspired gifts here.