Katsushika Hokusai (October or November 1760 – May 10, 1849) was a renowned Japanese ukiyo-e painter and printmaker of the Edo period. He is best known for his woodblock print series "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji" and the iconic image "The Great Wave off Kanagawa." Here are some key points about Hokusai and his work:1. **Early Life**: Hokusai was born in the Edo (now Tokyo) region of Japan. He began his artistic career as an apprentice to a woodcut engraver and later studied with various ukiyo-e artists, including Katsukawa Shunsho.2. **Artistic Prolificacy**: Hokusai was an extraordinarily prolific artist, producing an estimated 30,000 works during his lifetime. He worked in various genres, including landscapes, portraiture, historical scenes, and erotica.3. **Influence of Mount Fuji**: Hokusai's fascination with Mount Fuji is evident in his work. He created several series of prints featuring the iconic mountain, including the famous "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji." This series includes "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," one of the most recognized and iconic images in the history of art.4. **Innovative Techniques**: Hokusai was innovative in his use of color, composition, and perspective. He employed Western techniques and influenced European artists like Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet.5. **Artistic Names**: Over his long career, Hokusai used various artistic names, including Hokusai, Sori, Kako, Taito, and others. His best-known works were produced under the name Hokusai.6. **"Hokusai Manga"**: Hokusai published a series of sketchbooks titled "Hokusai Manga," which were collections of drawings and sketches covering a wide range of subjects. These books had a significant impact on Japanese and Western art and inspired many artists.7. **Late-Life Masterpieces**: Some of Hokusai's most celebrated works were created in his later years. He continued to paint and produce prints into his 80s and 90s, and his late-life works are highly regarded for their mastery of form and expression.8. **Legacy**: Hokusai's influence on Japanese and international art is immense. His innovative approach to composition, use of color, and the iconic imagery of Mount Fuji and "The Great Wave" continue to captivate and inspire artists and art enthusiasts worldwide.9. **Death**: Hokusai passed away on May 10, 1849, at the age of 88, in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). He was buried in the Seikyoji Temple in Tokyo.Katsushika Hokusai's artistic legacy endures through his timeless works, which continue to be celebrated and studied for their artistic innovation, cultural significance, and enduring popularity. His impact on the world of art extends far beyond his own lifetime, and his prints and paintings remain treasured masterpieces of Japanese and international art history.
11 oz.

Good condition. No major rips, tears, etc.