Katsushika Hokusai's Decorative Oriental Art!

I have been eager to include the decorative work of Japanese artist, painter and printmaker Katsushika Hokusai. I initially came across Hokusai's work when I was researching oriental art and fell in love with his delicate woodblock prints, so much so we have four giclée prints framed on our bedroom wall.

Hokusai was born in Edo (Tokyo), Japan in 1760. Interestingly throughout school Hokusai was described as a stubborn artistic genius who was was single-mindedly obsessed with art. Hokusai himself claims that despite his renowned populiarty and reputation, his works produced before the age of seventy were not worthy of attention. I found this quote by Hokusai himself and it made me smile! 

Plum Blossom and the Moon

"At a hundred I shall be a marvelous artist. At a hundred and ten everything I create; a dot, a line, will jump to life as never before. I am writing this in my old age. I used to call myself Hokosai, but today I sign my self 'The Old Man Mad About Drawing." Hokusai

The delicate and soft colour palettes in Hokusai's prints combined with the subtle, fine detail and accurate nature inspired illustrations capture my attention over and over again. A real talent and beautiful source of inspiration for all creatives!  

Goldfinch and Cherry Tree, 1834.

Hibiscus and Sparrow, 1830.

The Great Wave off Kanagawa, 1826-1833.

Lily

Java Sparrow and Magnolia, 1832.

 Yoro Waterfall Mino Province

Chrysanthemums and Horsefly