Hokusai Manga is a collection of sketches by Katsushika Hokusai, spanning 15 volumes. These works are not “manga” in the modern sense but are more like educational materials and design references. “Hokusai Manga” showcases Hokusai’s incredible observational skills, creativity, and artistic ability, offering a different perspective on his talent compared to his famous ukiyo-e prints.
Features of “Hokusai Manga”
- Diverse Themes
- The sketches cover a wide range of subjects, including landscapes, people, animals, plants, and even mythical creatures and objects. This variety provides a detailed look into the daily life, culture, and natural world of Hokusai’s time.
- Beauty of Line Work
- These sketches are primarily done in black ink without color, focusing on the beauty of line drawing. Hokusai’s lines are precise and expressive, capturing movement and detail with simplicity yet powerful impact.
- Educational Purpose
- “Hokusai Manga” was widely used as a reference for later artists and craftsmen. The collection covers a broad range of techniques and motifs, making it valuable as a learning tool.
- Humor and Satire
- Some volumes include humorous and satirical depictions. Hokusai had a keen eye for the amusing aspects of human behavior and daily life, adding an entertaining element to his work.
- Extensive Content
- The 15 volumes each focus on different themes, containing thousands of illustrations:
- Volume 1: Various human actions and expressions
- Volume 2: Mythological stories and landscapes
- Volume 3: Exotic costumes and decorations
- Volume 4: Animals and fish
- Volume 5: Hybrid creatures and monsters
- Volume 6: Buildings and cityscapes
- Volume 7: Natural landscapes
- Volume 8: Tools and utensils
- Volume 9: Performing arts and music
- Volume 10: Plants and flowers
- Volume 11: Daily life of women
- Volume 12: Humorous scenes with humans and animals
- Volume 13: Folktales and ghosts
- Volume 14: Traditional events and rituals
- Volume 15: A comprehensive review of various subjects
The “Hokusai Manga” spans 15 volumes, each containing a wide range of illustrations covering various themes and subjects. These volumes include depictions of landscapes, people, animals, and mythical creatures, showcasing Hokusai’s broad observation skills and creativity. While each volume is organized around certain themes, it’s important to note that not all illustrations strictly follow these themes, and there is a mix of different genres within each volume.
Influence and Legacy
“Hokusai Manga” had a significant impact not only in Japan but also abroad. It influenced French Impressionists and Art Nouveau designers, contributing to the Japonisme movement in Western art. Hokusai’s unique perspectives, compositions, and humor brought new ideas to Western art during that time.
“Hokusai Manga” is more than just a sketchbook; it is a testament to Hokusai’s diverse talent and broad vision. It shows how deeply he understood and loved the natural world and human life, leaving a lasting legacy in both Eastern and Western art.