Katsushika Hokusai

1 8.8

A famous Japanese painter who made woodblock prints, including The Great Wave

proper noun

: Katsushika Hokusai

The famous wave depicted by Katsushika Hokusai is recognized around the world.

Examples

The British Museum holds several prints by Katsushika Hokusai in its collection.
The famous artist Katsushika Hokusai created stunning woodblock prints.
Many impressionist painters were inspired by the works of Katsushika Hokusai.
I love Katsushika Hokusai!
Many impressionist painters were inspired by the works of Katsushika Hokusai.
The British Museum holds several prints by Katsushika Hokusai in its collection.
The famous wave depicted by Katsushika Hokusai is recognized around the world.

Surface Forms

Katsushika Hokusai main

Morphology

Katsushika + Hokusai

This is a proper name referring to a specific historical person; the meaning 'a renowned Japanese painter and printmaker' is not deducible from the constituent name parts. The components are lexicalized name elements (not ordinary English words), so a B1 learner who ‘knows’ the parts would not be able to derive the referential biographical meaning.

Etymology

Katsushika Hokusai was a Japanese painter who made prints by pressing paper onto carved wood, and he is best known for the powerful image called the 'Great Wave' and many 'views of Mount Fuji'. These bold, new pictures impressed artists in Europe, so his name today stands for a strong and lasting influence on modern art.