The work of Japanese printmaker Hokusai

One of the most famous Japanese artists that the entire West knows about is Katsushika Hokusai. Hokusai was born in 1760 in the city of Edo, known today as Tokyo. There are several opinions about his origin: some believe that his father was a peasant Kawamura, while others believe that the artist was the son of Nakajima, a master who made mirrors.

In 1770, the boy began working in a bookstore, where he greedily absorbed knowledge and studied Chinese. Three years later, he could already be found in the engraver's workshop, where the future artist learned to carve wood. Step by step, Hokusai is approaching the development of engraving, and in the 80s of the XVIII century, he first shows his independent works to the General public.

The master did not want to please the audience, and after a while developed a unique style, taking something from Japanese painting, and something from the European tradition. The master created his famous series depicting mount Fuji in the 1830s. At the same time, Hokusai produces prints with waterfalls, bridges and birds, thanks to which he is familiar to the modern connoisseur of fine art.

Hokusai significantly influenced European art. In the XIX century. artists used his legacy to create works in such trends as art Nouveau and French impressionism. Claude Monet and Renoir resorted to the theme of engravings by the Japanese master. Many people remember it, first of all, thanks to the picture "Big wave in Kanagawa".