Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Trained as an engraver, Hokusai also learned to carve woodblocks for prints and studied under Shunsho. Early works included surimonos and illustrated volumes of verse. His first "Manga" volume appeared in 1814. After 1820, his great landscapes were produced, including "Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji". Though living an unsettled life with many changes of residence and two marriages, Hokusai was still able to produce a huge number of prints, sketches and paintings -- perhaps 30,000 in all. Characterized as inventive, daring and dexterious, he is regarded as one of the greatest draftsmen of all time.