Who Was Katsushika Hokusai?

Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) was a leading ukiyo-e artist of the late Edo period and is one of the most internationally renowned Japanese artists. He revolutionized the themes of ukiyo-e, expanding them from traditional beauties and actor portraits to landscapes, flora and fauna, and scenes from daily life. His works greatly influenced Impressionist painters in 19th-century Europe as well.

The Allure and Production Process of Ukiyo-e

Ukiyo-e is a uniquely Japanese genre of printmaking and painting that flourished during the Edo period, produced through a division of labor among the designer (eshi), woodblock carver (horishi), printer (surishi), and publisher (hanmoto). The artist would create the original drawing, which the carver would then transfer onto woodblocks. The printer would apply colors layer by layer using separate blocks for each color, resulting in the final artwork.

A crucial step in this process is the kyōgōzuri. This is a test print made with only the key block (outline) in black ink, serving as a blueprint for the artist to indicate color placements. Kyōgōzuri prints were often consumed during production, making surviving examples extremely rare.

Among the completed works, the very first prints are called shozuri (first edition). Shozuri prints are especially prized by collectors and researchers because the woodblocks are still fresh, the colors are vivid, and the printing is meticulous. When a work became popular, additional prints would be made—these are known as atozuri (later impressions). Due to block wear and differences in pigments, atozuri prints may differ in color and detail from shozuri.

Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji — Hokusai’s Masterpiece

“Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” is a series of woodblock prints created by Hokusai after the age of 70. Initially published as 36 prints, the series was expanded by 10 more due to its popularity, resulting in a total of 46 designs. Each work features Mount Fuji, depicted from different locations, seasons, weather conditions, and times of day.

The series includes world-famous pieces such as “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” and “Fine Wind, Clear Morning” (Red Fuji). Hokusai’s personal fascination with Mount Fuji, combined with the domestic travel boom of the era, inspired this remarkable collection.

Mount Fuji and Japanese Culture

Mount Fuji has long been a symbol of faith and art in Japan, associated with sacredness and the idea of immortality. Hokusai, too, maintained a lifelong fascination with Fuji, repeatedly capturing its form in his art.

Conclusion

Katsushika Hokusai revolutionized the uniquely Japanese art of ukiyo-e and left behind timeless masterpieces with his “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.” By understanding the ukiyo-e production process, specialized techniques such as shozuri (first edition) and kyōgōzuri (proof print), and the cultural background of Mount Fuji as a subject, one can more deeply appreciate the profound artistry and appeal of Hokusai’s works.