Visipix discovery a fascinating self-portrait of Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849)

See his work

There are not many self-portraits from him.
We only know these 3, all made at the age of 83.

We believe that we discovered one more – appearing as this lion, also at the age of 83.

This is Shishi - a Chinese Lion out of the ehon (book) Hokusai Sohitsu Gafu A double book plate of kacho-e , landscapes ,still life, characters, etc.. A scarce woodblock print in shades of red, pink, yellow, blue, black and grey. Format : Double book plate - Size : 10.6 in. x 8.7 in. Unsigned - Ehon dated 1843

When you read more about Hokusai, it will not surprise you that he did not see himself as a charming person. To be a sort of lion with teeth and claws is appropriate. The features of his head is undoubtedly human and it is undoubtedly corresponding to the features of the other self-portraits. Hokusai was very popular among the”common people”. The fine art establishment had a big problem. Hokusai did not care for the. upper class. He did not behave respectfully. If he would have had the opportunity he would have eaten a missionary or a functionary or two.

We at Visipix.com are not scientists and we do not have the means to investigate this matter as we would like to do. But we have eyes.