Source: National Diet Library "NDL Image Bank"
Katsushika Hokusai Special Feature: The World of Painting Mania That Gave Birth to Waves and Fuji
The following is an explanation of Katsushika Hokusai's representative works, production background, and their modern value. We invite you to see its application in culture, art and design.
1. Thirty-six views of Mt. Fuji and the back of the Kanagawa coast
Hokusai's masterpiece "Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji", which is particularly famous for its powerful depiction of waves and its strange composition, has influenced art around the world. In particular, the vivid indigo (Pruschamp blue) is said to have shocked European impressionists :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
2. Hokusai as a revolutionary of ukiyo-e
Hokusai boldly expanded ukiyo-e, which was mainly actor paintings and beauty paintings, to "landscapes, plants, and animals". He left behind more than 30,000 works and led ukiyo-e to the next era by incorporating Western perspective and other traditional techniques :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
3. Hokusai manga: The ripple effect of multiple genres
Hokusai Manga, published after 1814, was widely read as a picture manual and study book, and influenced various fields such as architecture, clothing, manga, and anime. It's also a treasure trove for modern creators :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
4. Hokusai's design work and design collection
Hokusai also designed daily necessities such as combs, smoke pipes, and kimono patterns, and his design collections such as "Imasama Kushikin Hinagata" and "Shingata Komonjo" correspond to fashion catalogs of the Edo period. You can feel the origin of textile design now :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
5. Sumida Hokusai Museum of Art and Cultural Dissemination
The Sumida Hokusai Museum of Art, which opened in 2016 in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, was built on a site related to Hokusai and houses approximately 1,800 original paintings. The exhibits and architectural design aim to merge Hokusai's artistry with local resources :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Utilization Ideas
- Interior art: Decorate the room with famous paintings as posters or canvas prints.
- Fashion products: Hokusai pattern is used in smartphone cases and apparel.
- Digital design: Uses waves and designs for social media posts, web banners, and background materials.
Katsushika Hokusai is a source of contemporary art and design beyond ukiyo-e. We invite you to incorporate that creativity born between tradition and innovation into your work and projects.
