Hokusai Magic – Beauty in Simplicity!

Katsushika Hokusai’s skills went beyond painting- it's as if he could replicate dreams on canvas, bringing them to life!

“If only the gods would give me ten or at least five years more, I could become a perfect artist.”

Some art tells a story, some leaves a deep imprint, and some stays forever in the heart. The “imperfect” art of Hokusai doesn’t fail to leave a lasting impression!

Japanese culture is strongly rooted in minimalism—a philosophy that silently and elegantly permeates all aspects of life, whether it be its rich heritage, traditions, or arts.

When it comes to the country’s most well-known artists, Katsushika Hokusai, his iconic woodblock prints wash over the mind like serene spring waters, drowning the senses with calmness.

His style, marked by a distinct use of colour combinations, texture, and simplicity, is unmistakable. Pop culture in Japan is rife with references to his nuanced art. Using traditional art techniques and Western art sensibilities, the result is a masterstroke each time.

His most famous work, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, depicting a gigantic wave in shades of blue, dramatically towering over three boats, is perhaps the most recognised print in the world.

His other notable paintings include the Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji series, as well as Fine Wind, Clear Morning, Tiger in the Snow, and Dragon on the Higashimachi Festival Float, among others.

Here is a detailed description of some of his greatest works:

1. The Great Wave off Kanagawa (1831)

This well-recognised masterpiece of a gigantic wave threatens to drown three boats in a stormy sea. This woodblock print is deceptively simple, but delve deeper and you will understand the symbolism in the painting. Its rich symbolism depicts Japan’s opening up to the Western world, to embrace modernism.

Painted in the blue pigment -Prussian Blue- which was a new art phenomenon in 18th-century Japan, the painting has continued to intrigue art lovers for close to two centuries. Its current home is the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, United States.

2. Fine Wind, Clear Morning (Red Fuji) (1831)

Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC, art lovers can enjoy the serenity of this piece, which portrays Mount Fuji in hues of red as the sun shimmers on its landscape on a clear morning.

Hokusai was fascinated with the grandeur of Mount Fuji. Many of his famous works portray the Mountain’s vivid aura and the nature that surrounds it. This woodblock painting is also a portrayal of the artist’s brilliance in reflecting the changing atmosphere and seasons of nature in all their glory.

3. Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji (1831-1833)

Many of Hokusai’s works are located in the USA, and this one is also housed at the MET. “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” was painted over a span of 2 to 3 years, from various perspectives and in different seasons, with Mount Fuji as the central figure.

The Artist’s versatility and imagination are on display, and it also continues to establish the coherent symbolic value of this iconic mountain in Japanese culture.

4. Bullfinch and Weeping Cherry Blossoms (1834)

A common thread in Hokusai’s art is that he never failed to portray nature in its most raw and serene form. This one depicts a delicate and almost lifelike scene of a bullfinch bird sitting on the branch of a cherry blossom tree, clad with rose-tinted flowers, which is another important symbol of Japanese culture.

An expert at painting flora and fauna, Hokusai celebrated springtime in his country, showcasing the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms, whose importance is reflected in the themes of birth, renewal, and harmony.

5. A Tour of the Waterfalls of the Provinces (1833)

Water is considered sacred in Japanese culture, and by amalgamating this with his poignant work, Hokusai utilises his artistry to create a print that actually feels as if the water is pouring down a waterfall.

The gushing stream, which turns white due to the pressure, moves at a rapid speed and spreads in all directions. Moving beyond mountain imagery, he captures Japan’s dynamic typography. Nature’s wonders are evergreen, which makes this print an everlasting joy as well.

6. Sarumaru Dayu (1832)

Completed in 1832, from the Edo period, which was denoted by heightened artistic expression, flowy imagery and vibrant colours- this particular print brings the ancient poem by the same name to life. The blind musician playing his biwa is on the premises, and it is portrayed in a way that his emotions come alive as he is lost in the melody of the song being played. It almost feels that the music is suspended in the air, and the admirer of the print can hear it.

7. The Suspension Bridge on the Border of Hida and Etchū Provinces (1834)

Japanese rural life was aptly presented by Hokusai in this print, which is not just about the bridge. On closer inspection, the view of Mount Tateyama is unmissable in the background. Two travellers cross the bridge, which could serve as a metaphor for crossing to better times.

The portrayal is so vivid that an admirer can actually “feel” the sway of the bridge- but before you’re too impressed, this is only the tip of the iceberg of his talent!