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Dec 26, 20244 min read

Hokusai: the master of Japanese prints

At the crossroads of art and history, Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) remains an iconic figure in Japanese printmaking and a symbol of ukiyo-e art. This prolific artist, best known for his famous work The Great Wave of Kanagawa, left an indelible mark on the history of art, influencing both Japanese and Western artists.


Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), Under the great wave off Kanagawa, Japan, 1830-1832 - Edo period (1603-1868), 25.5 x 37.5 cm (Ôban yoko-e), kept at the Musée Guimet in Paris

Born in Edo (now Tokyo) in 1760, Hokusai began his artistic apprenticeship at the age of 14. He first studied wood engraving before joining the Katsukawa school, which specialised in portraits of kabuki actors. But his personal style soon emerged, breaking away from the conventions of the time.


Over the course of his career, Hokusai changed his pseudonym more than thirty times, reflecting his artistic evolution. Always in search of innovation, he explored a variety of themes: landscapes, fauna, flora, scenes of daily life and mythological representations. In particular, he focused on the interaction between man and nature, a central theme in his work.

Eleven ‘Denshin kaishu Hokusai manga’ collections of nishiki-e engravings, ink and colours on paper, of sketches by the artist Katsuschika Hokusai, Japan, 1875, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for the Millon auction house, sold for €1,700

In addition to his prints, Hokusai produced hundreds of drawings for artists' manuals, grouped together in a collection called Hokusai Manga. These detailed sketches show a meticulous eye for Japanese life, nature and imaginary creatures, testifying to his incredible curiosity and boundless creativity.


In 1830, Hokusai embarked on his most ambitious project: a series of prints entitled The Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. This collection, which includes The Great Wave of Kanagawa, illustrates Mount Fuji from different angles and seasons. The wave, with its menacing claw-like crests, almost seems to swallow the fragile boats, while Mount Fuji remains unperturbed on the horizon.



Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), Tago Bay near Ejiri in Tokaido, from the series of ‘Thirty-six views of Mount Fuji’, circa 1830 - 1832, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for the Millon auction house, sold for €7,000

This series marks a turning point in Japanese art, introducing a perspective inspired by Western techniques, while retaining the essence of Japanese aesthetics. The vivid colours, achieved through the use of imported pigments such as Prussian blue, contribute to the visual impact of these works. Each print tells a unique story, capturing moments when nature and human life intertwine.


Hokusai's work soon spread beyond Japan's borders. In the 19th century, when the country opened up to international trade, his prints reached Europe. They inspired artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Edgar Degas, marking the rise of Japonism. The apparent simplicity of Hokusai's compositions conceals a remarkable mastery of balance and movement, a quality that fascinated the Impressionist painters.


Van Gogh, for example, adopted vibrant colours and bold perspectives inspired by Japanese prints, while Manet avidly collected Hokusai prints. In France, Japonism also influenced the applied arts, such as ceramics and textiles, where Hokusai motifs were reinterpreted with a European touch. International exhibitions in the early 20th century continued to fuel this fascination with Japanese art.


Japanese pavilion at the 1889 Universal Exhibition, from the monograph Les merveilles de l'Exposition de 1889, published in 1896, kept at the BNF in Paris.

Hokusai continued to work until his death at the age of 89, leaving behind thousands of works. His influence remains palpable in contemporary art, where his exploration of colour, line and landscape continues to inspire. In 2016, La Grande Vague was named one of the most reproduced images in history, appearing in museums and on everyday objects.


Modern artists from David Hockney to Takashi Murakami cite Hokusai as a major source of inspiration. His concepts of dynamic lines and asymmetrical composition are echoed in disciplines as varied as animation, graphic design and photography.


Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) after, The poet Li Po (Ri Haku) contemplating the Lo-shan waterfall, Japan, 19th century, appraised by Gauchet Art Asiatique for Millon auction house, sold for €5,000

Hokusai embodies the junction between tradition and modernity, between East and West. His works, while remaining fundamentally Japanese, speak a universal language that resonates across the centuries. As the world continues to rediscover and celebrate his legacy, Hokusai's impact remains a testament to the timeless power of art.


Gauchet Asian Art offers its recognised expertise in the appraisal and authentication of works by Hokusai, an iconic figure in Japanese art. Thanks to its in-depth knowledge of the artist's work and rigorous methodology, the firm is able to accurately determine the authenticity and value of the prints, drawings and paintings submitted to it. Gauchet Art Asiatique guarantees reliable analyses tailored to the demands of the art market, providing an essential reference for collectors, dealers and cultural institutions.




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