Brightest Star in the Eastern Sky - the Development and Influence of Hokusai’s Manga

Melanie Rogan
Trinity College Dublin
Department of History of Art and Architecture
2007
BA

Subject: Print
Country: Japan
Period: 19th and 20th Century

10,000 words

This dissertation examines the work of Katsushika Hokusai, placing him within a context of Japanese art history. The author examines his work within the narrative tradition of emaki (picture scrolls), and traces the influence of this tradition on the development of his work, in particular, his Manga. The author argues that a great development of style can be discerned in Hokusai’s Manga, particularly in the themes used, and the brushstrokes. Although the Manga was intended as a teaching manual for students, the author argues that Hokusai learns most in their production. In the latter part of this study, the influence of Hokusai’s work on modern Japanese artists is examined, in particular, the work of Masakatu Iwamoto. Finally, the influence of Hokusai on modern comics and on the work of Jeff Wall is explored.

Irish Georgian Society

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Brightest Star in the Eastern Sky - the Development and Influence of Hokusai’s Manga