Katsushika Hokusai was born in Edo, in 1760, apparently the son of an artisan. Hokusai is one of the great masters of Japanese woodblock print and one of the great creative and innovative genius of all time. Being the best known of Japanese artists, and having had a profound influence in western art (and in particular in the Impressionists), he is however very "unJapanese" in his character and in his work.
He worked for a very long time and, characteristically, was at his best by the end of his years. His career started when he become an apprentice as an engraver when he was fourteen. At eighteen he entered the studio of Katsukawa Shunsho, an important artist of theatrical prints. One year after he published his first works, actor prints, under the name Shunro.
Hokusai produced good prints in the 1780s, under the influence of Shigemasa and Kiyonaga.
Works from this period are signed Katsukawa Shunro, Katsu Shunro or simply Shunro in honor of Hokusai's master. Kusamura Shunro and Shunro aratame Gunbatei, and Gunbatei are other names used during this period. Hokusai made his ukiyo-e debut with Chinese characters "Shun" and "Ro" which were bestowed upon the young artist. The first major works were the hosoban format actor prints followed by a series of kibyoshi and share-hon illustrations. During the same period, Hokusai eventually estranged from the Katsukawa School and began showing more individuality.
Hosoban tate-e
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