[Eternal Hokusai] The Rediscovery of 103 Hokusai Lost Sketches | JAPAN Forward
Hacker News
February 16, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The rediscovery of 103 lost sketches by Hokusai, creator of *The Great Wave*, marks a significant art historical find. These drawings were part of an unfinished project called *The Great Picture Book of Everything*, which Hokusai abandoned in the 1820s due to personal struggles and financial hardship. Rediscovered in Europe after over a century, they were acquired by the British Museum for a record price at a Paris auction in 2019.
Hokusai, one of Japan's most renowned ukiyo-e artists, attempted this ambitious project in his later years. The sketches showcase a wide range of subjects, from mythological figures and natural phenomena to fantastical creatures. One sketch depicts the two-headed mythical bird *hiyoku*, while another features the Daoist figure Zhou Sheng attempting to seize the moon. These works highlight Hokusai's creative versatility and innovative approach to design.
The sketches' journey to Europe began in the late 19th century when they were acquired by French collector Henri Vever. After World War I, Vever's collection was sold, and the sketches passed through various hands before resurfacing at a Paris auction
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Originally published on Hacker News on 2/16/2026