Flowers – Hokusai

Flowers – Hokusai – 1827-1839

When we think about Japanese prints, like those depicting Flowers – Hokusai, one name often comes to mind. The famous Japanese painter, also known as the “old mad painter”. He lived during the Edo era. This was a long period in Japanese history when foreigners were banned, as was leaving the country for the locals. He was recognized as one of the pioneers of Japonism.

Japonism is the influence of Japanese art on writers and artists. It was initially prevalent among the French and then Westerners between 1860 and 1890, and this appreciation is largely due to Hokusai’s mangas, which he played a significant role in popularizing, even though he was not their inventor. Surprisingly, he was initially recognized on the international stage. Many Japonism artists were not acknowledged in Japan due to the light and popular nature of their art according to the elite. Japonism saved works that were on the brink of obscurity, allowing Japanese to appreciate their national artists.

Many years later and even today, Hokusai plays a leading role in Japanese culture internationally and leaves behind an estimated 30,000 drawings.

Category: Hokusai Painting

Original format 25 x 36.1 cm
© The Art Institute of Chicago