The Hokusai Period

Covering a span of twelve years from 1798 to 1810, the Hokusai period where Katsushika Hokusai finally adopts the name that he would most widely be known by establishing himself to be an independent artist free from any school. Hokusai truly had an unlimited interest in painting such that this period was considered a rich and complex time that could be broken down into three stylistic episodes (Calza, 126). In addition, it is also important to note that he would continuously seek inspiration in any source he found motivating. As for this print, it is unpublished work that best illustrates a highly interesting series significantly different from Hokusai’s formal works that were created during the time when Hokusai was inspired by the style of Tsutsumi Tōrin due to his captivating skill of applying vibrant washes of monochrome ink (Calza, 127).