Katsushika Hokusai

Katsushika Hokusai (c. 31 October 1760 – 10 May 1849) was a Japanese artist, ukiyo-e painter and printmaker of the Edo period. Born in Edo (now Tokyo), Hokusai is best known as author of the woodblock print series "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" which includes the internationally iconic print "The Great Wave off Kanagawa".

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 "Fine Wind, Clear Morning" that secured Hokusai's fame both in Japan and overseas.