Few artists in history command the same enduring fascination as Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849). While his iconic woodblock print Under the Wave off Kanagawa—colloquially known as “The Great Wave”—remains one of the world’s most instantly recognizable artworks, there is far more to this visionary of Edo-period Japan than his famous ocean scene. TASCHEN’s new monograph, Hokusai, presents a panoramic view of the artist’s prolific legacy, revealing the extraordinary depth and diversity of his work over the course of nearly nine decades.
Setting itself apart with both scholarly rigor and visual grandeur, this hardcover tome spans 722 pages and weighs over 15 pounds. It offers a multilingual experience—English, French, and German—making it accessible to a wide international audience. Cited by Sky Arte as “the most thoroughly researched monograph on Hokusai ever to be published,” the book exemplifies meticulous academic inquiry while providing ample delight for the eye through large-scale reproductions. Indeed, the volume’s physical presence, with its ribbon bookmark and breathtaking dimensions (11.4 x 15.6 inches), signals that this is much more than just another coffee-table accessory.
From the outset, the vivid range of Hokusai’s subjects is on full display. His renowned landscapes of Mount Fuji and the Tōkaidō road naturally figure prominently, but readers also encounter ghostly apparitions, dramatic scenes of samurai warriors, and intricately rendered flora and fauna. The new photography commissioned for this volume captures the artist’s delicate lines and subtle brushwork in extraordinarily fine detail, with more than 100 institutions worldwide contributing to the campaign. Many of these images—746 woodblock prints, paintings, sketches, and book illustrations in total—are reproduced at sizes that allow readers to appreciate Hokusai’s technical brilliance like never before.
Several reviews—from Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung to RTBF La Première—have hailed this publication as “magnificent” and “monumental,” with particular praise for its ability to expand our common perceptions of Hokusai. Going beyond the ubiquitous Fuji prints, it includes lesser-known works such as large-format road maps of the Tōkaidō and Kisokaidō, shimmering portrayals of waterfalls and snowy tigers, and the artist’s imaginative shunga (erotic) prints. A number of fold-outs enhance the immersive quality of the visual experience, while meticulous notes provide an illuminating context for each piece.
Of equal importance to the stunning images is the scholarly commentary by Andreas Marks, who brings a lifetime of expertise to the subject. Having obtained his PhD in Japanology from Leiden University with a thesis on 19th-century actor prints, Marks has earned recognition for his extensive research on Japanese art, including a commendation from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2024. Throughout the book, his essays place Hokusai in historical perspective: readers learn of the artist’s staggering productivity—he was still producing new designs a year after his death—and of his far-reaching influence on Western luminaries like Edgar Degas and Paul Gauguin, despite never traveling outside Japan himself.
As Hyperallergic notes, this edition offers “arguably the most comprehensive study of Hokusai’s work to date,” while the Financial Times underscores how the selection goes well beyond the ubiquitous wave. The inclusion of a newly re-photographed panel painting at the Hiei Shrine in Kisarazu further confirms that this is a living, breathing contribution to Hokusai scholarship, unearthing treasures that many have never before seen in print. The volume’s thoughtful arrangement, chronological scope, and extensive commentary make it as indispensable to academic collections as it is thrilling for art enthusiasts.
In sum, this TASCHEN publication is not just a celebration of Hokusai’s genius, but a testament to how a single artist can profoundly shape the visual culture of both East and West. It seamlessly blends academic depth with sumptuous visual indulgence, offering an immersive journey through the floating world of Edo-period Japan. Whether you are a devotee of Japanese art, a student of printmaking, or simply someone who admires works of enduring beauty, Hokusai belongs on your bookshelf as the definitive tribute to one of history’s most transformative creative forces.
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