Hokusai: Greeting Cards

Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) was initially trained to engrave and cut woodblock prints, but at the age of 18 also learned to design actor prints from the ukiyo-e master Katsukawa Shunsho (1726-92). Hokusai had an enormous output of about 30,000 original prints, paintings, sketches and book illustrations on a variety of subjects. Perhaps best-known for his beautiful landscapes, Hokusai's Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, produced at the age of 75, proved to be a major influence on European art and are today recognized throughout the world. A follow up to the best-selling publication Hokusai by Gian Carlo Calza, this fine selection of cards includes masterpieces from throughout Hokusai's long career. The prints featured here reflect the great themes of Hokusai's age — theatre, nature, landscape and feminine beauty. These wonderfully varied images illustrate all aspects of Hokusai's home, the ancient city of Edo (now Tokyo), from pictures promoting kabuki actors and beautiful courtesans to dreamy views of ancient bridges. This elegantly packaged collection will make an original and delightful gift at any time of year.