Final answer:
One of the great yet humble painters in Japanese art history is Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849).
Step-by-step explanation:
Hokusai was a prolific ukiyo-e artist, a genre of woodblock print and painting that flourished during the Edo period in Japan. Despite his immense talent and influence on the art world, he remained remarkably modest and continued to study and refine his craft throughout his life.
Hokusai is best known for his iconic series "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji," which includes the famous print "The Great Wave off Kanagawa." This series exemplifies his dedication to depicting the beauty and power of nature, particularly the majestic Mount Fuji. His work showcased a deep understanding of perspective, composition, and color, and it had a profound impact on both Japanese and Western art.
Throughout his life, Hokusai adopted various pseudonyms and expressed a sense of humility, stating that he hoped to create truly great art by the age of 110. His commitment to artistic growth and his contributions to the world of Japanese art make him a prime example of a great yet humble painter in Japanese art history.