Hokusai: A Life in Drawing (Deluxe Edition)

A deluxe, large-format edition offers a detailed look at Katsushika Hokusai, an eminent artist from Japan's Edo period, renowned for his mastery of ukiyo-e, the "images of the floating world." Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) emerged as a prolific and varied artist during this era, reputed to have created over 30,000 pieces, comprising drawings, paintings, and prints. This text delves into Hokusai's journey, originating from a modest neighborhood of historic Tokyo, then known as Edo, and captures the unique spirit of this vibrant city during a time when Japan remained closed to foreign visitors. As urban areas experienced growing prosperity and stability, a rich culture centered around art and pleasure-seeking thrived. Ukiyo-e woodblock prints became emblematic of this period. Among the greats of woodcut art, Hokusai produced works ranging from depictions of famed actors and courtesans to striking landscapes and seascapes, highlighted by his famous series "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji." His keen observations also extended to everyday life scenes and famously, the erotic shunga prints. Hokusai, often referred to as "this brush gone wild," gained renewed attention from Impressionists and aesthetes towards the late 19th century. While his artwork profoundly impacted the evolution of Western art, he himself drew inspiration from European painting, skillfully incorporating techniques like perspective to align with Japanese aesthetics. As a result, Hokusai's legacy endures as one of the towering figures of global art history. This edition showcases 150 color illustrations of his work.