This section provides a summary of the content across all 11 volumes, offering a detailed exploration of Katsushika Hokusai’s life, his most famous works, and the vast range of his artistic talent. Each volume focuses on different aspects of Hokusai’s art, from his iconic landscape series to his detailed sketches and depictions of Japanese and Chinese legends. Whether you are new to Hokusai or a seasoned admirer, this collection will guide you through the many layers of his genius, showcasing why he remains one of the most revered artists in the world.
Volume 1: Overview
- This volume covers the life of Katsushika Hokusai and provides a comprehensive overview of his most significant works. It explores how Hokusai became a master of ukiyo-e and delves into key events in his life and the context behind his art.
Volume 2: Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces, Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces
- This volume focuses on Hokusai’s iconic landscape series. It includes “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji,” which captures the beauty of Mount Fuji, as well as “A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces” and “Remarkable Views of Bridges in Various Provinces,” showcasing Japan’s majestic waterfalls and bridges.
Volume 3: One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji
- This volume is dedicated to Hokusai’s series “One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji,” reflecting his deep admiration for the mountain. The series captures the majestic beauty of Mount Fuji through different seasons and perspectives, highlighting Hokusai’s artistic passion.
Volume 4: Hokusai Manga 1
- This volume includes the first four books of “Hokusai Manga,” a series of sketchbooks that showcase Hokusai’s diverse range of themes, from landscapes and people to animals and supernatural creatures. These sketches reveal Hokusai’s incredible observational skills and creativity.
Volume 5: Hokusai Manga 2
- This volume continues with books 5 through 7 of “Hokusai Manga,” exploring more themes and motifs. It also delves into how these sketches reflect the cultural and historical context of the time, offering a deeper understanding of Hokusai’s work.
Volume 6: Hokusai Manga 3
- This volume completes the “Hokusai Manga” series by covering books 8 through 11. It examines the later sketches in the series, emphasizing the breadth and depth of Hokusai’s themes and how his work influenced later generations of artists.
Volume 7: The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō
- This volume features “The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō,” depicting the journey between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. Through these works, readers can experience the landscapes, culture, and travel customs of Edo-period Japan.
Volume 8: A Thousand Pictures of the Sea, Illustrated Mirror of Chinese and Japanese Poems, Treasury of Loyal Retainers
- This volume includes “A Thousand Pictures of the Sea,” “Illustrated Mirror of Chinese and Japanese Poems,” and “Treasury of Loyal Retainers,” highlighting Hokusai’s wide-ranging themes from seascapes to poetry and historical tales.
Volume 9: Picture Book: Musashi Abumi, Drawing Techniques in One Stroke
- This volume features “Musashi Abumi,” which depicts scenes from the samurai era, and “Drawing Techniques in One Stroke,” showcasing Hokusai’s mastery in brushwork and his ability to capture dynamic scenes with minimal strokes.
Volume 10: Illustrated Mirror of Chinese and Japanese Stories, Selections from Tang Poetry
- This volume combines “Illustrated Mirror of Chinese and Japanese Stories,” which presents legends from Japan and China, with “Selections from Tang Poetry,” where Hokusai visually interprets classical Chinese poetry.
Volume 11: One Hundred Ghost Stories, Paintings, Prints, and Other Works
- The final volume includes “One Hundred Ghost Stories,” along with a collection of Hokusai’s paintings, prints, and other works. This volume offers a broad overview of Hokusai’s diverse artistry, capturing his creative spirit across different mediums.