Early Modern
Early Modern
Katsushika Hokusai
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
28
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.