The History of ‘The Great Wave’: Hokusai’s Most Famous Woodblock Print
H okusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa is one of the world’s most celebrated works of art. A prime example of the ukiyo-e practice , this Japanese print has inspired artists and viewers for nearly 200 years. While The Great Wave is instantly recognizable, many may not know of its history, including its surprising evolution, role within a series, and even its lasting legacy. The Great Wave off Kanagawa is a yoko-e (landscape-oriented) woodblock print created by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai during the Edo period. It is the first piece in Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji , a series of ukiyo-e prints showing Japan’s tallest peak from different perspectives. In this piece, Mount Fuji is seen from the sea and framed by a large, cresting wave. This swell dominates the canvas, dwarfing both the mountain and a trio of boats and inspiring the title of The Great Wave . Hokusai’s Precursors W...