Painter and woodcutter, Katsushika Sori aka “Hokusai” (Edo 1760 - Edo 1849) is considered one of the greatest Japanese artists of all time. The artist chose the name "Hokusai" to sign his works since 1794. Hokusai literally means "study of the North Star", a symbol of good omen and wishes for a brilliant career.
Hokusai's training began at the age of fourteen, when he became apprentice of Katsukawa Shunsho, a master in the art of “Ukiyo-e” genre woodcut (literally: “painting of a floating world”).
In particular, the Ukiyo-e style was the one most adopted in Hokusai's works, which however over the course of his career has revolutionized the traditional themes.
By revisiting Japanese Painting, Hokusai created innovative paintings by breaking the mold and influencing traditional art. Thanks to his paintings and his Katsushika prints Hokusai has become one of the most famous Japanese painters in history.
