Hokusai – Phaidon Art Book Review

Posted By yonghow on May 22nd, 2014

Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book

Katsushika Hokusai was a Japanese artist, ukiyo-e painter and printmaker of the Edo period (1600-1800s). This big and beautiful book (published by Phaidon) presents a comprehensive survey of the work of one of Japan’s greatest and most influential artists, with over 700 pieces of art work spanning 520 pages.

(above) “The Great Wave Off Kanagawa” is Hokusai’s most iconic and recognizable wood block print.

Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book
Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book
Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book
Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book
Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book
Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book
Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book

(above & below) Hokusai’s subject matters were greatly varied and he also created some Shunga ( Japanese erotic art ). “The Dream Of The Fisherman’s Wife” (above right) is undoubtably his most famous piece.

Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book
Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book
Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book
Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book

I adore Hokusai’s landscape woodblock prints the most, for their austere forms and vistas which I find to be pleasantly calming. I also studied and practiced woodblock printing as an art student and so understand the workings of the medium a little better.

Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book
Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book
Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book
Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book

A splendid and most comprehensive collection of Hokusai’s art work, all in one book. Perfect for study, reference or just simply appreciation.  My highest recommendations.

“Hokusai – Phaidon Art Book″ details :

– Dimensions – 11.4 x 10 x 1.6 inches
– Soft cover, 520 pages
– Full color

Hokusai - Phaidon Art Book Amazon Buy Link
Buy From Amazon CA | Amazon JP | Amazon UK | Amazon FR | Amazon IT | Amazon DE | Amazon ES

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9 Responses to “Hokusai – Phaidon Art Book Review”

King Raoh

One of the most significant image makers of all time. Influenced the east and west.

bibiswade

Mr. Vong, I’m a little confused. Your review says it’s a big book but the dimensions you posted seems to indicate a rather tiny one. Can you please help clarify me on this one because I’m really interested to get this art book? How big is it really?

yonghow

King Raoh – Couldn’t agree more. :]

bibiswade – thanks for spotting that. Apparently the dimensions indicated on Amazon’s product page is wrong. I’ve measured the book’s dimensions myself and have updated the correct information above. Cheers !

bibiswade

Thank you for clearing that up Mr. Vong. I really appreciate it!

Keep up the good work!

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