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Katsushika Hokusai
Early Modern
Early Modern

Katsushika Hokusai

Born 1760 Died 1849 Works span 1780–1849

A Life Etched in Ink: The World of Katsushika Hokusai Katsushika Hokusai, a name synonymous with Japanese art and the iconic image of *The Great Wave off Kanagawa*, was far more than just a printmaker. Born in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) around 1760, his life was a restless pursuit of artistic mastery, a constant evolution marked by shifting names and an insatiable curiosity. From humble beginnings as the son of a mirror maker, Hokusai’s e…

72
dated works
26
chapters
1780
first work
1849
last work
Chronological Journey

The Lifeline

Scroll through Katsushika Hokusai's working life — artwork by artwork, chapter by chapter — from the earliest dated work to the last. Each thumbnail is pinned at its exact year on the gold axis.

Drag or scroll to travel through time

Chapters — Career Periods

The ribbon is divided into shaded bands, one per career chapter. Each chapter groups Katsushika Hokusai's works by their historical period — early training, mature practice, final years.

Thumbnails — Dated Works

Every thumbnail is pinned at its precise creation year. A thin gold thread drops from the image to its exact point on the axis. Larger frames mark the artist's masterpieces by rank.

Colour Band — Movement Drift

The gradient bar beneath the axis shifts colour as the dominant art movement changes over time — from the warm golds of the early period through the deeper tones of maturity. It fills progressively as you scroll.