Romania #1342 (1960) – Katsushika Hokusai, Japanese painter

Description

Romania #1342 (1960) – Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), Japanese painter

For an interesting story about Katsushika Hokusai see article here:
https://omnimarte.com/2023/03/26/katsushika-hokusai-and-his-quest-for-immortality/

Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) was a renowned Japanese artist, ukiyo-e painter, and printmaker of the Edo period. He is best known for his iconic woodblock print series “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji,” which includes his most famous work, “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” Hokusai’s art, particularly his landscape and nature prints, had a significant impact on both Japanese and Western art and continues to be celebrated worldwide. Here are some key points about Katsushika Hokusai:

1. Early Life: Hokusai was born in Edo, present-day Tokyo, Japan, in 1760. He had several different names and went through various artistic phases throughout his life.
2. Artistic Training: He began his artistic career as an apprentice to a woodblock carver before becoming a student of ukiyo-e painter Katsukawa Shunsho. He later adopted the name Hokusai.
3. Varied Subjects: Hokusai’s works covered a wide range of subjects, including landscapes, birds, flowers, historical scenes, kabuki actors, and beautiful women (bijinga).
4. “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji”: This series, published from 1830 to 1832, is considered one of Hokusai’s greatest achievements. It features stunning views of Mount Fuji from different angles and in various weather conditions. “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” and “Red Fuji” are the most famous prints from this series.
5. Influence on Western Art: Hokusai’s work had a profound impact on European artists during the 19th century, including the Impressionists. His use of color, composition, and depiction of nature greatly influenced Western art, particularly the “Japonism” movement.
6. Late-Life Works: In his later years, Hokusai continued to produce art, even changing his name to “Iitsu” (Gakyo Rojin Manji). His series “One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji” and “A Large Fish” are among his notable late works.
7. Pseudonyms: Hokusai used numerous pseudonyms throughout his life, each corresponding to different periods and styles of his work.
8. Famous Quotes: Hokusai is known for his often-quoted statement: “From the age of six, I had a passion for copying the form of things and since the age of fifty, I have published many drawings, yet of all I drew by my seventieth year there is nothing worth taking into account.”
9. Legacy: Katsushika Hokusai is considered one of the greatest ukiyo-e artists in Japanese history. His innovative style, use of color, and intricate compositions have left a lasting legacy. His prints and paintings continue to be celebrated and are widely collected and studied worldwide.

Hokusai’s art transcended time and cultural boundaries, and his masterpieces remain highly regarded for their beauty and influence on art and aesthetics. His iconic “Great Wave” and other works continue to be reproduced and enjoyed by art enthusiasts around the globe.