This series of woodblock prints is considered not only Katsushika Hokusai's masterpiece, but also the most important example of landscape ukiyoe. Each print features Mount Fuji depicted in Hokusai's uniquely evocative style. It is said that the series has greatly influenced the creation of the universal image of Mt. Fuji.
The 36 prints were published by Nishimura Eijudō in the 1st year of the Tenpō era (1830) but due to their immense popularity 10 extra prints were later added to the series, bringing their total number to 46.
Throughout Hokusai's 90 years of life, dedicated to portraying all things in nature, his creativity has never withered, and it is said he started producing his best works after he turned 70. "The Great Wave of Kanagawa" in particular is one such masterpiece that also influenced world-famous artists like Vincent van Gogh and Claude Debussy. Even today, Hokusai's works continue to fascinate people with their innovative style which encapsulate the essence of ukiyoe and transcends eras.
Katsushika Hokusai [葛飾北斎] (1760 – 1849)
Hokusai was born in the 10th year of the Hōreki era in Honjō Warigesui. At age 19 he became an apprentice to Katsukawa Shunshō. The following year he began using the name Shunr¬¬¬¬¬¬ō and publishing portraits of Kabuki actors done in the "Katsukawa school" style of ukiyoe. Later, Hokusai devoted himself to studying other art styles from Japan, China and Europe, producing ukiyoe from wide-ranging genres and establishing his own unique style.
Compared to other artists, Hokusai was a late bloomer. The work that established him as a master artist, "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," was produced only after Hokusai turned 70.
Hokusai has always been passionate about capturing the pure essence of all things in nature in his works and the artist's creativity has not withered with age. During his 90 years of life, Hokusai has produced a great number of works.
In 1999 Hokusai was chosen by "Life" magazine as one of their "100 most important people of the second millennium," the only Japanese to make the list, and a real master of ukiyoe who to this day attracts the world's attention.
