The Great Wave of Kanagawa
Item
Title
The Great Wave of Kanagawa
Description
Artwork by Katsushika Hokusai from the series “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji”. This is a Japanese style print depicting style from the Edo period of 1615-1868. The Great Wave off Kanagawa is inspired by the vast and beautiful, yet treacherous and destructive power of the ocean. It captures the awe-inspiring force of nature as the colossal tsunami wave looms over the civilians within their Marko-bune-style cargo boats. Hokusai's work is renowned for his ability to capture the movement and energy of the waves. Thus, this print reflects the importance of the ocean in Japanese culture. Japan is composed of approximately 430 inhabited islands. As a result, fishing has remained a vital source for the country's economy, transportation, livelihood, history, and culture. The ocean plays a major role in the daily lives of Japanese people and has profoundly impacted the culture's view of the ocean. It not only symbolizes a life source but also displays the resilience and strength of humanity through their ancestors in the face of natural forces.
Date
1830-32
Medium
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper.
