Katsushika Hokusai (October 31; 1760 - May 10; 1849) was a Japanese artist; ukiyo-e painter and printmaker of the Edo period. He was influenced by such painters as Sesshu; and other styles of Chinese painting. Born in Edo (now Tokyo); Hokusai is best known as author of the woodblock print series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku Sanjuroku-kei; c. 1831) which includes the internationally recognized print; The Great Wave off Kanagawa; created during the 1820s.

Hokusai created the 'Thirty-Six Views' both as a response to a domestic travel boom and as part of a personal obsession with Mount Fuji. It was this series; specifically The Great Wave print and Fuji in Clear Weather; that secured Hokusai's fame both in Japan and overseas. Pictures From History