Hokusai’s Mysterious “Ghost Painting”: Hokusai was known for his depictions of ghosts and supernatural beings, but one of his more unusual works is known as the “Ghost Painting.” This painting features the spirit of a woman and is said to have been created after Hokusai claimed to have seen a ghost himself. The influence of this experience can also be seen in his work Hyakumonogatari (One Hundred Ghost Stories).
Hokusai and His Daughter Oei: Hokusai’s daughter, Katsushika Oei, commonly known as “Oei,” was also a talented artist. She worked closely with her father, and some experts believe she may have assisted with some of his later works. Oei’s own paintings are notable for their unique use of light and shadow, showing her distinct style while also reflecting her father’s influence.
Hokusai’s “Sky Techniques”: Hokusai had a special interest in depicting the sky and clouds. His works feature a variety of cloud formations, reflecting different weather conditions and seasons. This attention to detail demonstrates his deep observation of nature, particularly evident in his Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji series.
“Hokusai Manga” as an Educational Tool: The Hokusai Manga was more than just a collection of sketches; it served as a textbook for artists and engravers of the time. It included instructions on how to draw people, landscapes, and various poses and movements, greatly influencing later generations of artists.
Lost Works of Hokusai: Many of Hokusai’s works have been lost over time, especially those created during his early years. This makes it difficult to fully understand his initial style and techniques. Some of the scrolls and illustrated books he created have also not survived, and their rediscovery would be a significant event.
Hokusai and the “Dragon Paintings”: Hokusai had a particular passion for drawing dragons. His dragon illustrations are powerful and convey a sense of life and energy. According to one story, Hokusai spent an entire day drawing nothing but dragons, resulting in some of his most celebrated works.
Hokusai and the “Seven Wonders of Honjo”: Hokusai was fascinated by the “Seven Wonders of Honjo,” a collection of strange tales and legends from the Honjo district of Edo (now Tokyo). He created illustrations based on these mysterious stories, which became popular among the Edo townspeople.