No. 08The 1800s
Ukiyo-eKatsushika Ōi
c. 1800 – c. 1866 · Japan
Hokusai's daughter — a master of light and shadow in her own right.
All artistsUkiyo-e
Ukiyo-eNight Scene in the Yoshiwara, c. 1818–1844. Katsushika Ōi. Public domain · Source: Wikimedia Commons
Painting
Katsushika Ōi
c. 1800 – c. 1866 · Japan
She worked alongside her father, Katsushika Hokusai, for decades. Only a handful of works signed by her survive, famous for their glowing night scenes.
Know more on Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)Fact file
- Born
- c. 1800
- Died
- c. 1866
- Country
- Japan
- Era
- The 1800s
- Style
- Ukiyo-e
- Disciplines
- Painting
- Key work
- Night Scene in the Yoshiwara (c. 1818–1844)
- Medium
- Ink and colour on paper
- Where to see it
- Ota Memorial Museum of Art, Tokyo, Japan
Curiosity!
It is believedHokusai is reported to have said that her pictures of women were better than his own.
What we know (and what we don’t)
- Not certain
Her birth and death dates are not known with certainty.
- It is believed
Scholars believe she contributed to some works signed by Hokusai, but how much is debated.
Where to see her
On view right now
- On nowGroup show
Katsushika Ōi’s Night Scene in the Yoshiwara and the art of the night
“葛飾応為「吉原格子先之図」 夜景の系譜”
Ōta Memorial Museum of Art · Tokyo, Japan
6 Oct 2026 – 6 Dec 2026
Her famous night painting is shown for the whole run — the first time in three years.
Official page for Katsushika Ōi’s Night Scene in the Yoshiwara and the art of the night (opens in a new tab)
Museums that own her work
- Ōta Memorial Museum of ArtTokyo, Japan(opens in a new tab)
- Museum of Fine Arts, BostonBoston, USA(opens in a new tab)
Owning isn’t always showing: works rotate, go into storage or travel on loan — check before you go.
Hunting for a show we missed?
Exhibition list last checked 25 Oct 2026.