The great wave of Kangawa by Katsushika Hokusai

The “Great Wave off Kanagawa” is an art piece crafted by Hokusai Katsushika​, who is one of the greatest painters and printmakers of Japanese descent in the 19th century. This art work is also the first of a series of designs that were originally 36 famous views of Mount Fuji, which is a sacred mountain in Japan.

The resulting series created by the painter was a highly successful product in the market and as such, it was later on extended to 46 designs. However, after that, it ended abruptly for unknown reasons. The creation of the design dates back to the 1830, whereas the publication of this piece was done in 1832 by Nishimuraya Yohachi.

About The great wave of Kangawa by Katsushika Hokusai on Canvas Print

Hokusai’s 1830 woodblock print of “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” is undoubtedly among the most exceptional images found in the world of art. This art work depicts a stormy sea which is found off the coast of the Kanagawa Prefecture. This area is located in the southwest of Tokyo, and is also historically the home of a number of fishing ports.

The “great wave” as illustrated in great detail by the artist, is both a symbolic as well as an actual deluge. Thanks to the number of external conflicts, the authorities of Japan in the Edo period decided to sever all their ties with the world outside for over a 260 years period (Between 1603 and 1868). During this period of time, Japan was able to develop a remarkably particular and singular culture, primarily in the sectors of architecture, sculpture, porcelain, woodblock prints, painting, and ceramics, each of which was isolated and utterly unrelated to any influence from the outside.