Crazy Paintings: Madness and Creativity - Masterpieces of Japanese Art You Must See Before You Die

Jakuchu, Rosetsu, Hokusai... Why were they compelled to paint? How did they create masterpieces that everyone should see before they die? What is the true nature of the "creative power" of Edo's genius artists?

The artists featured in this book are all outrageous characters who deviate from common sense. They all led turbulent lives. Despite experiencing hardships that most people would find insurmountable, they created masterpieces that will remain for generations to come. (From the book's "Introduction")

[List of Artists Featured in Outrageous Paintings] Nagasawa Rosetsu: "An artist whose talent was envied and who died mysteriously." Ito Jakuchu: "Awesome concentration." Katsushika Hokusai: "A mad artist who continued to paint until the very end." Kawanabe Kyosai: "A man who tried to enlighten people's hearts with his paintings." Sakai Hōitsu: "A lonely artist posing as a playboy." Soga Shōhaku: "A loner posing as a villain." "A man of great hardship" Kitagawa Utamaro: "The mysterious rebellious artist" Tawaraya Sōtatsu: "A man who rose to power" Ogata Kōrin: "A man whose talent blossomed after a life of debauchery" Utagawa Hiroshige: "An artist whose sensibilities were sharpened by misfortune" Kano Sansetsu: "An artist whose talent was feared" Iwasa Matabei: "Surviving the turbulent Sengoku period"

<Special Edition> Tsutaya Juzaburo: "The man who took a risk and brought Sharaku to the world