Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾北斎 Katsushika Hokusai) (1760 - 1849), known as simply Hokusai (北斎 Hokusai) is a famous Japanese painter and Ukiyo-e maker.

His works were important sources of inspiration for many European impressionists like Claude Monet.

Biography

Hokusai was born in Edo (now Tokyo) in the 9th month of the 10th year of the period Horeki (October-November, 1760) to an artisan family. His father, Nakajima Issai, was a mirror-maker. At age eighteen, after some practice as a wood-engraver, he entered the studio of Katsugawa Shunsho , a painter and designer of color prints. His disregard for the artistic principles of his master caused his expulsion in 1785.

Although from time to time Hokusai studied various styles, he maintained stylistic independence thereafter. For a time he lived in extreme poverty, and, although he must have gained sums for his work which might have secured him comfort, he remained poor, and to the end of his life proudly described himself as a peasant.

He was an eager student to the end of his long life, and said on his deathbed, "If Heaven had lent me but five years more, I would have become a great painter." He died on May 10, 1849.

Works

His most popular work is Ukiyo-e series 36 Views of Mount Fuji (富嶽三十六景 Fugaku Sanjūrokkei), which was created between 1826 and 1833. It consists of 46 images (10 of them added later).

The largest of Hokusai's works is the 15-volume collection Hokusai Manga (北斎漫画).

Some of Ukiyo-e from 36 Views:

Erotic work: The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife