Shunro Period

In 1778, at the age of 19, Hokusai apprenticed under Katsukawa Shunshō, the foremost portrait artist of actors. The following year, he adopted the name Katsukawa Shunrō. From his master Shunshō’s name, he took the character "春" (spring), and from his master's alternate name Kyokurōsei, he received the character "朗" (brightness). This indicates the high expectations placed on him as a promising artist. Initially, Hokusai focused on actor portraits and beautiful women, adhering closely to the Katsukawa school’s style. However, over time, he gradually developed a more free-flowing and distinctive artistic style of his own.