Hokusai’s Difficult Life: Throughout his life, Hokusai struggled with poverty. He moved frequently, reportedly changing his residence over 90 times in his later years. This constant movement reflects the intense and obsessive nature of his life, which earned him the nickname “the madman of art.”
Hokusai and His Disciples: Hokusai had many disciples, but two of the most famous were Keisai Eisen and Yanagawa Shigenobu. While they were heavily influenced by Hokusai, they each developed their own distinct styles and contributed significantly to the evolution of ukiyo-e.
Additional Prints in “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji”: The series known as “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” actually consists of 46 prints. Due to the series’ immense popularity, Hokusai later added 10 more prints to the original set.
Hokusai’s Self-Declaration: In works like Hokusai Manga, Hokusai referred to himself as “the madman of art,” a title that reflects his extreme passion for drawing. This nickname underscores the intensity and hardship of his creative process.
Western Influence: Hokusai was inspired by European copperplate engravings, and he attempted to emulate them. His works incorporate Western techniques such as perspective and shading, which were highly innovative for Japanese artists at the time.
Hokusai’s “Soul Painting”: Hokusai continued to draw until the very end of his life. His last work, often referred to as his “soul painting,” is considered the culmination of his life’s work, capturing the essence of his spirit.
Legendary Story: There is a famous story about Hokusai where he reportedly painted a massive image of Daruma (the founder of Zen Buddhism) in one sweep. This work, which spanned several meters of paper, amazed those who saw it with its scale and technical brilliance.
These episodes offer readers a deeper understanding of Hokusai’s life and work, bringing them closer to his artistic passion and innovation.