Hokusai: The Artistic Journey of a Japanese Icon

After conducting thorough research, it is evident that Hokusai's interest in art began at a very young age. Born in 1760 in Edo, Japan, Hokusai was adopted by an artisan family who exposed him to the world of art. His adoptive father was a mirror maker for the shogun, a role that involved a certain level of craftsmanship and artistic skill. This environment likely played a significant role in sparking Hokusai's interest in art.

Hokusai began painting at the age of six, and by the time he was 12, he was already working at a bookshop and library, a place that gave him access to a wide range of books and illustrations. This exposure further fueled his passion for art.

At the age of 14, Hokusai was apprenticed to a wood-carver, a common practice for young artists at the time. This experience provided him with a solid foundation in the principles of form and design. However, it was his apprenticeship with the ukiyo-e painter, Katsukawa Shunshō, at the age of 18, that truly marked the beginning of his artistic career.

Hokusai's early works were primarily woodblock prints in the ukiyo-e style, a popular form of art in Japan during the Edo period. These works were heavily influenced by his master, Shunshō, and often depicted the everyday life of people in Edo.

In conclusion, Hokusai's early interest in art was sparked by his adoptive family and nurtured through his apprenticeships and exposure to various forms of art. His early works reflect the influences of his master and the popular artistic style of his time.