Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) is widely regarded as one of Japan’s most famous and influential artists. He produced works of astonishing quality right up until his death at the age of 90. This new exhibition will lead you on an artistic journey through the last 30 years of Hokusai’s life – a time when he produced some of his most memorable masterpieces.
Throughout the exhibition, outstanding examples of Hokusai’s work will show the artist’s creative breadth and depth. A selection of superb landscapes is introduced with the iconic Great Wave – itself part of a print series of views of Mt Fuji. Intimate domestic scenes capture fleeting moments in private lives. Exquisite depictions of flora and fauna display an innate skill in representing the natural world. The artist’s imagination is given full rein in the portrayal of supernatural creatures such as ghosts and deities. Through all of these works, explore Hokusai’s personal beliefs and gain a fascinating insight into the artist’s spiritual and artistic quest in his later years.
The exhibition will include prints, paintings and illustrated books, many of which are on loan from Japan, Europe and the USA. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these extraordinary works together.
Please note for conservation reasons there will be a rotation of about half the artworks halfway through the exhibition run. Some works can only be displayed for a limited period of time due to their light sensitivity. The new works will substitute similar ones and will not affect the exhibition’s story. To facilitate the rotation, the exhibition will be closed between 3 and 6 July.
| Duration | 25 May 2017 - 13 August 2017 |
| Times | open daily 10.00–17.30 Fridays: open until 20.30 closed 3-6 July 2017 |
| Cost | £12.00, Members/under 16s free |
| Venue | British Museum |
| Address | Great Russell St, London, WC1B 3DG |
| Contact | 442073238181 / information@britishmuseum.org / www.britishmuseum.org |