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Katsushika Hokusai Facts & Worksheets

Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) was a Japanese ukiyo-e painter and printmaker during the Edo period. His work is considered a masterpiece of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th to the 19th century.

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Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) was a Japanese ukiyo-e painter and printmaker during the Edo period. His work is considered a masterpiece of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th to the 19th century.

See the fact file below for more information about Katsushika Hokusai, or you can download our 23-page Katsushika Hokusai worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EARLY AND PERSONAL LIFE

  • Little is known about Katsushika Hokusai’s early life, but it is believed that he started his artistic journey as an apprentice to a woodblock carver. 
  • He later became a student of Katsukawa Shunsho, a popular ukiyo-e artist of the time, where he honed his skills in the traditional ukiyo-e style.
  • Throughout his life, Hokusai underwent numerous name changes, a common practice among artists in the Edo period. This tradition, known as “gō” in Japanese, allowed artists to adopt different names at various stages of their careers or when they explored new artistic directions. 
  • Hokusai used over 30 different pseudonyms during his lifetime, each reflecting a distinct phase of his artistic evolution. One of his earliest names was Shunro, derived from his master’s name, Shunsho.
  • As Hokusai continued to refine his craft, he adopted names such as Taito, Kako, and Iitsu, signaling shifts in style, technique, or thematic focus. The adoption of new names was not only a practical consideration but also a way for artists to distinguish themselves as they explored different aspects of their art.
  • Hokusai’s talent and versatility allowed him to master various genres within ukiyo-e, ranging from landscapes and nature to portraits and scenes from daily life. His penchant for experimentation and innovation, coupled with his prolific output, contributed to his enduring legacy.
  • Hokusai’s early life and name changes remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, but his artistic contributions and the evolution of his style throughout his career continue to be celebrated and studied, making him a central figure in the history of Japanese art.

WORKS

  • Katsushika Hokusai’s artistic career spanned several decades, and he produced an extensive body of work that showcased his versatility, creativity, and mastery of the ukiyo-e style. In addition to “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” and “Red Fuji,” here are several more notable works that highlight the breadth and depth of Hokusai’s artistic contribution:

“A Tour of the Waterfalls of the Provinces” (“Shokoku Taki Meguri,” c. 1832):

  • This series features landscapes and waterfalls from various regions in Japan. Hokusai’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to convey the dynamic forces of nature are evident in these prints. 
  • Each image captures a distinct waterfall surrounded by lush scenery, demonstrating Hokusai’s skill in depicting diverse landscapes.

“One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji” (“Fugaku Hyakkei,” c. 1834–1835):

  • Building on the success of his earlier series, Hokusai created “One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji,” a collection of prints that further explores the iconic mountain from various perspectives and in different seasons. 
  • This series showcases Hokusai’s enduring fascination with Mount Fuji and his ability to depict the mountain in diverse contexts.

“Hokusai Manga” (1814–1878):

  • The “Hokusai Manga” is a collection of sketchbooks featuring a wide range of subjects, including landscapes, animals, everyday life, and humorous scenes. The term “manga” in this context refers to sketches rather than the modern concept of manga as a form of comic or graphic novel. 
  • These illustrated volumes highlight Hokusai’s creativity and serve as a valuable resource for understanding various aspects of Edo-period Japanese life.

“Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” (“Fugaku Sanjūrokkei,” c. 1826–1833):

  • While “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” and “Red Fuji” are part of this series, the collection as a whole includes a variety of landscapes featuring Mount Fuji.
  • Each print provides a unique perspective on the mountain, showcasing different scenes and moods. “Rainstorm Beneath the Summit” and “Inume Pass in Kai Province” are examples that emphasize Hokusai’s ability to evoke the sublime and capture the essence of the natural world.

“Birds and Flowers” (“Kachō-ga,” various dates):

  • Hokusai’s depictions of birds and flowers showcase his skills in portraying the delicate beauty of nature. 
  • These prints often feature vibrant colors and intricate details, reflecting Hokusai’s keen observation of the natural world. Examples include “Poppies and Rooster” and “White Hawks and Peach Blossoms.”

“One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse” (“Hyakunin Isshu Uba Ga Etoki,” c. 1835):

  • This series pairs illustrations with poems from the classical anthology “One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets.” Hokusai’s prints complement the poetry, providing visual interpretations that enhance the emotional and thematic elements of each poem.

“Ukiyo-e Ruikō” (Various dates):

  • This series, often translated as “Celebrated Ukiyo-e Paintings,” features portraits of actors, beautiful women, and kabuki scenes. 
  • Hokusai’s ability to capture the expressions and personalities of his subjects is evident in these vibrant and dynamic prints.

LEGACY AND INFLUENCE

  • Katsushika Hokusai’s legacy is enduring and far-reaching, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of Japanese art. 
  • His innovative techniques, diverse subject matter, and mastery of the ukiyo-e style have left an indelible mark on the art world, and his influence continues to resonate across cultures and centuries.

Hokusai’s impact can be seen in various aspects:

Global Recognition:

  • “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” has achieved iconic status worldwide, becoming a symbol of Japanese art and culture. 
  • The image has been widely reproduced, parodied, and referenced in various forms of media, solidifying Hokusai’s place in the global artistic consciousness.

Western Art Influence:

  • Hokusai’s works, particularly his emphasis on nature and landscapes, profoundly influenced Western artists, including Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet. 
  • His use of color, composition, and perspective challenged traditional artistic conventions and inspired new approaches to visual representation.

Manga and Modern Comic Art:

  • The “Hokusai Manga” served as an early precursor to modern manga, influencing the development of the Japanese comic art form. Hokusai’s use of sequential storytelling and his diverse subject matter laid the foundation for the evolution of manga as a popular and distinct genre.

Japonisme Movement:

  • In the 19th century, the Japonisme movement in Europe further popularized Japanese art. Hokusai’s prints, along with those of other ukiyo-e artists, played a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic sensibilities of Western artists and collectors during this period.

Continued Influence on Contemporary Art:

  • Hokusai’s influence persists in contemporary art, with artists and designers drawing inspiration from his innovative techniques and thematic exploration. His ability to capture the beauty of nature and everyday life continues to resonate with modern audiences.

Cultural Impact in Japan:

  • In Japan, Hokusai remains a celebrated cultural figure. His contributions to ukiyo-e and his portrayal of Mount Fuji as a symbol of Japanese identity have solidified his place in the national artistic heritage.

Katsushika Hokusai Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Katsushika Hokusai across 23 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Katsushika Hokusai. Hokusai was a Japanese ukiyo-e painter and printmaker during the Edo period. His work is considered a masterpiece of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that flourished from the 17th to the 19th century.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Katsushika Hokusai Facts
  2. Art Philosophy
  3. Ukiyo-e Art
  4. Manga Today
  5. Japonism Movement
  6. The Great Wave
  7. Quoted Images
  8. Hai-kusai Inspired
  9. Interpreting the Art
  10. The Hokusai Style
  11. Art Appreciation

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Katsushika Hokusai?

Katsushika Hokusai was a Japanese artist, ukiyo-e painter, and printmaker, best known for his woodblock print series “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji,” which includes the iconic print “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” He was born in 1760 in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and adopted several names throughout his career, with “Hokusai” being one of his most famous.

What is Hokusai’s most famous artwork?

Hokusai’s most famous artwork is “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” part of his series “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” created between 1826 and 1833. The print depicts a towering wave about to crash, with Mount Fuji in the background. It has become an iconic representation of Japanese art and is recognized worldwide.

How did Hokusai contribute to the ukiyo-e genre?

Hokusai played a crucial role in popularizing the ukiyo-e genre, which translates to “pictures of the floating world.” He created a vast number of woodblock prints depicting landscapes, kabuki actors, beautiful women, and mythical creatures. His innovative and diverse subject matter helped broaden the appeal of ukiyo-e beyond its traditional focus on courtesans and actors.

Did Hokusai work in other art forms besides woodblock prints?

Yes, Hokusai was a versatile artist who worked in various mediums, including paintings and illustrations. He created manuals on painting and drawing, such as the “Hokusai Manga,” a series of sketchbooks that showcased a wide range of subjects, from nature to daily life. These sketchbooks were influential and inspired artists both in Japan and abroad.

How did Hokusai’s art evolve over his lifetime?

Hokusai’s artistic style underwent several transformations throughout his life. He began as a ukiyo-e artist, focusing on traditional subjects, but as he aged, he explored a broader range of themes and experimented with different techniques. In his later years, he adopted the name “Gakyo Rojin” (The Old Man Mad About Art) and continued to produce innovative and imaginative works until his death at the age of 89.

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