Katsushika Hokusai lived and worked during the late Edo period, a time of significant change and development in Japanese history and society. Understanding the cultural and social background of this era is key to appreciating how Hokusai’s art was shaped and why it remains influential.
1. Social Conditions in the Late Edo Period
The Edo period (1603-1868) was marked by stable governance under the Tokugawa shogunate, bringing a long period of peace to Japan. During this time, Japan adopted a policy of isolation, limiting contact with Western countries but maintaining trade with a few, such as China and the Netherlands. This isolation allowed Japan’s domestic economy and culture to develop uniquely.
By the late Edo period, urbanization had increased, leading to the growth of major cities like Edo (now Tokyo), Osaka, and Kyoto. As these cities flourished, the merchant class (known as “chonin”) gained influence, and a vibrant urban culture emerged. Unlike the samurai culture, which focused on the arts like Noh theater and tea ceremony, the chonin culture emphasized more accessible and entertaining forms of art, such as ukiyo-e, kabuki, and haiku.
2. The Rise and Development of Ukiyo-e
Ukiyo-e, a style of woodblock printing, emerged during the Edo period, depicting scenes from everyday life, landscapes, beautiful women, and kabuki actors. Ukiyo-e was popular among the merchant class because it was relatively inexpensive and could be mass-produced. Initially, portraits of women and actors dominated the genre, but with artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige, landscape prints became a significant and respected genre.
During Hokusai’s time, ukiyo-e evolved beyond simple entertainment to serve as a medium for depicting Japan’s natural beauty and landscapes. As travel and tourism became more common toward the end of the Edo period, there was increasing demand for landscape prints. Hokusai’s “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” was created in response to this trend.
3. Hokusai and Western Influence
Although Japan was largely isolated during the Edo period, Western knowledge, particularly from the Dutch, was still introduced through “Rangaku” (Dutch learning). This included Western techniques in science, technology, and art. Hokusai incorporated Western techniques such as perspective and shading into his work, creating a unique style that combined Japanese and Western elements. The dynamic compositions and realistic depictions in his works were influenced by these techniques, which later fascinated European artists.
4. Merchant Culture and Hokusai’s Work
Hokusai thrived in the culture of the merchant class. His works often reflect the daily lives and entertainment of the common people. While his art was accessible to the general public, it also demonstrated high technical skill and artistic innovation.
Even in his later years, Hokusai continued to create art, producing famous works like “Hokusai Manga” and “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji.” These works are deeply rooted in the cultural and social environment of the Edo period, reflecting the values and aesthetics of the time.
Summary
Katsushika Hokusai lived during a period when merchant culture was flourishing, and ukiyo-e became widely popular. Within this historical context, Hokusai innovated in ukiyo-e, creating works that not only captured the spirit of his time but also influenced later Western art. His ability to blend traditional Japanese techniques with Western influences helped his work transcend borders, making a lasting impact on the world of art.