Encyclopedia of Hokusai-sketches – complete edition

This book contains approximately 2,000 illustrations from Hokusai’s drawing manuals, categorized by themes such as “dogs,” “demons,” and “singing,” capturing animals, plants, and people with sharp observational skills.

Hokusai’s vast knowledge and remarkable expressive ability shine through, as he was said to be able to draw anything—from cranes soaring across the sky to mosquito larvae dancing in muddy water.

● Search by name the forms and human activities Hokusai vividly captured
Hokusai depicted everything, including imaginary creatures, exotic animals, farming and construction work, swimming, horseback riding, party tricks, self-defense techniques, the use of traps and guns, and more. From illustrations symbolizing “nourishing vitality” to those representing “useless gluttony,” he even visualized dance choreography. This book is a unique encyclopedia, organizing the motifs with assigned names and editing the illustrations in alphabetical order.

● Hokusai shares tips and insights on drawing
The illustrations in this book were originally intended by Hokusai to serve as drawing references. Some include Hokusai’s notes on how to draw the subject, such as methods for drawing a lion using the character “し,” a suspicious woman from the character for “resentful,” or a frog and its offspring using a compass. He also offers wisdom like “When drawing something, divide rather than circle” or “To depict ferocity, abandon the refined spirit,” providing guidance not only on technique but also on the mindset and attitude for creation. This book includes Hokusai’s explanations alongside the illustrations where appropriate.

● This book is a combined and redesigned edition of the “Hokusai Illustrated Encyclopedia: Animals and Plants Edition” and “Humans Edition” (published by Tokyo Bijutsu in 1998-99). It also includes a newly added English index.