Dive into The Great Wave!

The Struggling Boats (marked red)

Before we dive into the wave itself, notice the small boats being tossed around in the water. These traditional Japanese fishing boats were used to transport fish quickly from sea to market. The fishermen are crouched low, bracing themselves against the power of the wave, highlighting humanity's struggle against the overwhelming forces of nature.

Mount Fuji in the Distance (marked blue)

In the background, we see a small, calm Mount Fuji. Japan’s tallest peak, which traditionally represents stability and endurance, looks tiny and insignificant compared to the immense wave. This contrast reflects the timeless endurance of the mountain versus the chaotic power of the ocean.

Fun Fact

Out of the thousands of original woodblock prints of The Great Wave, only around 200 copies have survived. Rare prints of this artwork can be founזהd in prestigious museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the British Museum in London. The woodblock technique allowed Hokusai to produce many copies, making The Great Wave widely accessible in his time.

In March 2023, a well-preserved copy sold at Christie’s for a record $2.76 million due to its exceptional detail.

And here’s a fun tidbit—The Great Wave still appears on Japan’s 1000 yen banknote!

Think About It 🤔 

The Great Wave is not only a Japanese masterpiece, but it also bridges Eastern and Western art traditions. Hokusai was influenced by Western perspective, which was introduced to Japan in the 18th century through Dutch merchants. While traditional Japanese art didn't focus on perspective, Hokusai skillfully blended this Western technique with his own style. This unique fusion made The Great Wave particularly popular in the West, where audiences found it both familiar and exotic. Ironically, Hokusai’s work later influenced Western artists like the Impressionists, completing a fascinating cultural exchange!

How does it relate to the here and now? or What to say during casual conversation to show off your art knowledge?

Art, Technology, and AI – “I saw Hokusai’s The Great Wave and learned how it revolutionized art by being reproduced through woodblock printing—one of the first methods to make art accessible to the masses. It reminds me of how today, AI is changing the creative landscape, and just like then, people are worried that technology will replace the human touch in art.”

Nature and Power – “I saw Hokusai’s The Great Wave, and it’s incredible how it captures nature’s overwhelming power. It reminds me of how natural disasters today—like hurricanes and tsunamis—still challenge human persistence. Just like in the painting, we’re constantly battling nature’s forces, trying to stay afloat.”