The Great Wave off Kanagawa Katsushika Hokusai

Description

“The Great Wave off Kanagawa” or simply Under The Wave off Kanagawa is one of the most iconic works of Japanese art. Considered one of Katsushika Hokusai’s masterpieces, it was created in 1831 as part of Hokusai’s “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” woodblock print series. This artwork has become a global symbol of Japanese culture and art.

Around the world, the work is known by different names in different languages. In French, it is known as “La Grande Vague de Kanagawa”, while in Japan its original name is “神奈川沖浪裏” (Kanagawa-oki Nami Ura). All these nomenclatures reveal how influential and globally recognized the work has become.

Description and composition

The Wave

At the center of the work is a gigantic wave, dramatically rising and captured in its force at the moment of impact. The foam of the waves looks like claws, evoking a sense of menace, almost like a living being.

Boats:

Three small boats carrying fishermen are seen below the wave. The human figures appear defenseless and insignificant in the face of the overwhelming power of nature, emphasizing the relationship between man and nature.

Mount Fuji:

In the background, Japan’s sacred mountain Fuji is depicted as a small, calm and unshakable form. As a serene presence in the midst of chaos, it symbolizes stability and endurance.

Color Palette:

Indigo and Prussian blue, a revolutionary color for its time, stand out in the work. These colors emphasize the energy of the wave and blend the scene with natural beauty.

Themes and Symbolic Meanings

The Power of Nature and Human Fragility:

The contrast between the giant wave and the small boats reveals the immense and uncontrollable power of nature and the fragility of man.

Harmony and Balance:

Despite the ferocity of the wave, the composition feels balanced and harmonious, a key feature of Japanese aesthetics.

Symbolism of Mount Fuji:

Mount Fuji represents continuity, spirituality and national identity in Japanese culture and stands as a fixed point in this chaotic scene.

Artistic Techniques

Ukiyo-e Style:

This work is one of the best examples of the ukiyo-e style, made with woodblock prints and often depicting landscapes, city life and famous stories.

Use of Perspective:

Hokusai used a Western-inspired linear perspective to create a sense of depth. This was an innovative technique in Japanese art of the Edo period.

Prussian Blue:
The use of Prussian blue, a synthetic pigment imported from Europe, marked a technological turning point in the history of Japanese printmaking and ensured the permanence of the work.

Cultural Impact

Recognition:

“The Big Wave” is one of the most recognized artworks worldwide and has been reproduced countless times and adapted into various forms of media.

Influence:

Western artists such as Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh were influenced by its composition and innovative use of color.

Symbol of Japan:

Today it is seen as a symbol representing the essence of Japanese culture and art.

Legacy

“The Great Wave of Kanagawa” is considered a timeless masterpiece of artistic genius and profound symbolism. Hokusai’s ability to capture the beauty and power of nature in a single moment has made this work an enduring icon of Japanese and world art history.

Japanese Artist Katsushika Hokusai’s The Great Wave of Kanagawa Poster & Canvas Print Product Description

Our The Great Wave off Kanagawa Katsushika Hokusai prints are produced with high quality printing techniques. Artworks, original paintings or all the fine details of a picture are reflected in our museum quality posters or canvas art prints. You can buy our wall art prints framed or unframed. Our framed prints come ready to hang so you can easily hang them on your walls. We make simple changes for all your orders free of charge. You can specify your wishes in the order details at checkout, such as a name to be written on the product or the printing area of the photo etc.