Hokusai: My Favorite Prints

The Great Wave off Kanagawa Katsushika Hokusai

Hokusai was an incredibly versatile artist of Edo Japan. Most famous for his woodblock prints, Hokusai's works were not only recognized in Japan, but contributed greatly to the Japonisme trend of France, which influenced French Impressionists as well. The Great Wave off Kanagawa  from his Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series is his most famous work worldwide today. Most people have seen the crisp print today as wallpapers and sample images or as decoration elsewhere. Hokusai produced countless other works until his very last days. I'll share some of my favorites here.

Watermill at Onden

The crossing lines of the waterwheel create an interesting arrangement and the intricate swirls of water beautifully portray movement. 

Nihonbashi Bridge in Edo

Hokusai's use of linear perspective is gorgeous in Nihonbashi Bridge in Edo.

Whaling at Goto

The enormity of the whale surrounded by the several boats is cool, especially from the point of view of a distant hill.

Asakusa Honganji Temple in the Eastern Capital

The structure in the right side of the print creates interesting perspective and the rounded lines are an interesting stylization. 

Climbing on Mount Fuji

The use of the salmon hue to color the mountain is whimsical and creative. 

Ejiri in the Suruga Province

The diagonal line created by flying papers and a hat is dynamic and establishes movement within the print. 

Lake Suwa in the Shinano Province

Rich blues and pinks create beauty in this print and are included in Hokusai's trademark sky gradient.

Fishing by Torchlight in Kai Province

Fishing by Torchlight is a departure from Hokusai's usual sunrise/sunset settings with a scene that's fully at night. The golden tones truly capture the illumination of torchlight in the dark.