Collection: Artist: Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849)

Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) was a Japanese artist and one of the most important representatives of ukiyo-e , the woodblock art of the Edo period. Hokusai is best known for his iconic series "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" (1830–1832), especially for the world-famous painting "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" . This series brought him great recognition not only in Japan but also internationally.

Hokusai was notable for his incredible versatility. In addition to the landscape depictions for which he became famous, he created portraits of women, illustrations of myths, religious scenes, and nature-related works such as flowers and birds. His work includes thousands of prints, sketchbooks, and paintings. Hokusai was also a significant influence on the development of Western art in the 19th century, particularly the Impressionists and the Japonism movement, which was greatly inspired by his bold compositions and vibrant colors.

His artistic life was marked by a relentless search for perfection and innovation. He himself claimed that he only began to understand the true essence of art at the age of 70 and hoped that his works would be even more significant at the age of 100. Hokusai's work has had a lasting influence on art history and remains a significant part of Japanese culture and global art history.