Encyclopedia of Katsushika Hokusai Sketches Complete Edition

Product Description

This comprehensive volume is an unprecedented encyclopedia of Hokusai's illustrations, featuring approximately 24,000 images of animals, plants, and people, all captured with the artist's keen eye for detail and grouped by thematic categories such as "Dogs," "Demons," and "Singing." The book showcases Hokusai's versatility and expressiveness, with subjects ranging from cranes in flight to insects in muddy waters. It allows readers to search for figures and human activities by keyword, revealing Hokusai's extensive range, which includes everything from imaginary creatures to scenes of farming, civil engineering, swimming, horseback riding, banquet entertainment, self-defense, and even dance choreography.

The illustrations serve as a guide to Hokusai's drawing techniques, with many images accompanied by the artist's own instructions. For instance, Hokusai demonstrates how to draw a lion using the character for "shi," a mysterious woman with the character for "うらめしい," and a parent and child frog using a compass. These insights provide a unique look into Hokusai's creative process. Accompanying commentary further enriches the reader's understanding of the art.

This book is a new, single-volume edition of "Hokusai's Encyclopedia of Pictures," originally published in 1998-99 by Tokyo Bijutsu, now with a new binding and the addition of an English-language index. It stands as a testament to Hokusai's artistic mastery and his enduring impact on art and illustration.

Product Specification

- Title: Hokusai's Encyclopedia of Pictures (New Edition) - Original Publication: 1998-99 by Tokyo Bijutsu - Illustrations: Approximately 24,000 - Themes: Animals, Plants, People, and more - Features: Keyword search, Hokusai's drawing instructions, commentary - Language: English-language index included - Binding: New binding