Hokusai: Beyond the Great Wave

Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849), best known for his woodblock print The Great Wave, created this iconic image at the age of 71 as part of a large body of work produced during the last three decades of his life. This title, accompanying exhibitions in London and Osaka, looks closely at the amazing range of the artist's later output. In its first half, editor Clark (Japanese art, British Museum; Hokusai's Great Wave) and five Japanese and British scholars examine works during Hokusai's last two decades, as well as his philosophy of the world, mastery of line, insistence on control over artistic projects, and relationship to Japanese society. The catalog itself comprises the book's second part and covers Hokusai's oeuvre from age 20 to 60; his depictions of Mt. Fuji and the sea; observations of nature and people; works from the artist's imagination; collaborative projects, including those with his daughter, Eijo; and art created during his final two years of life. The abundant color illustrations show the work to best advantage.