# Katsushika Hokusai

A printmaker who turned waves and mountains into icons.

He captured everyday life and epic nature with bold lines and unforgettable rhythm.

### About the artist

#### One-liner

Japanese ukiyo‑e master who turned waves and mountains into icons.

#### Short bio

Born in Edo, Hokusai worked across decades as a painter and printmaker, constantly reinventing his style.

#### Quick facts

- **Full name:** Katsushika Hokusai
- **Born:** October 1760, Edo (now Tokyo), Japan
- **Died:** May 10, 1849, Edo, Japan
- **Nationality:** Japanese
- **Movement:** Ukiyo‑e
- **Known for:** Thirty‑six Views of Mount Fuji

#### How to see

- Trace the main curve—it carries the energy of the scene.
- Notice the flat color and strong outline; it’s graphic on purpose.
- Look for Mount Fuji as a quiet anchor.

#### Context and influence

Trained in ukiyo‑e printmaking, he elevated landscape prints to a new level of ambition.

#### Major works

- The Great Wave off Kanagawa (c. 1831)
- Fine Wind, Clear Morning (Red Fuji) (c. 1831)
- Thirty‑six Views of Mount Fuji (series, 1826–33)

## Key moments

Three quick beats that help you feel the story.

### The person

Hokusai reinvented his style throughout his long career, always experimenting.

### The moment

The Great Wave shows motion and danger with elegant, controlled design.

### The impact

His prints shaped global graphic design and the way we read bold shapes.

## Artwork highlights

Pieces mentioned in the story, with a closer look.

### The Great Wave

Try it with this artwork [Save to My Gallery](/content/my-gallery.html?saveRef=artists%3Akatsushika-hokusai/index.html)

### Red Fuji

Try it with this artwork [Save to My Gallery](/content/my-gallery.html?saveRef=artists%3Akatsushika-hokusai/index.html)

## Try this

Try this: trace the curve of the wave and feel the movement.