Hokusai in Turin: 180 Woodblock Prints on Display at Galleria Salamon

What to see

The exhibition "Hokusai – The Line That Becomes Life" brings to Turin a curated selection of over 180 original polychrome woodblock prints by Katsushika Hokusai. The display traces his major series — including views of Mount Fuji and studies of waterfalls — and places them alongside works by other ukiyo-e masters to highlight stylistic experiments and narrative approaches from the Edo period.

Practical information

• Dates: March 6 – April 24, 2026
• Venue: Galleria di Arte Moderna Elena Salamon, Via Torquato Tasso 11 (Piazzetta IV Marzo), Turin
• Opening hours:
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 15:00–19:00
  • Thursday: 10:30–19:00
  • Saturday: 10:30–18:00
• Tickets: available at the gallery; check the venue for updates

Why visit

The exhibition is a rare chance to study the polychrome woodblock technique in person: the carving precision, color registration and layering that produce the original prints. Highlights include well-known works and rarities — such as an unusual Hannya demon study — plus illustrated volumes and warrior prints that demonstrate Hokusai's sustained creative energy.

Visitor tips

• Choose morning slots (Thursday or Saturday) to avoid heavier crowds.
• If you are interested in drawing and illustration, spend time reading labels and examining printing details; comparisons between artists are particularly revealing.
• Combine the visit with nearby museums and the Royal Palace gardens for a full cultural itinerary in Turin.

Cultural context

Beyond celebrating Hokusai, the show situates his work within the dynamic creative environment of Edo-period Japan and illustrates how ukiyo-e influenced Western aesthetics (Japonisme) and later illustration practices. The curated dialogue among prints helps trace these cross-cultural connections.