Hokusai's Great Wave

Hokusai's Great Wave stands as a pivotal artwork illustrating nature's might and human vulnerability.

The Great Wave' is a colour woodblock print designed by Japanese artist Hokusai in around 1830. The print; of which numerous multiples were made; shows a monster of a wave rearing up and about to come crashing down on three fishing boats and their crews. One of a monumental series known as 'Thirty-six views of Mount Fuji'; Hokusai's Great Wave - with the graceful snow-clad Mount Fuji on the horizon; unperturbed but wittily dwarfed by the towering strength of the wave that threatens to engulf the struggling boats - has become an iconic image of the power of nature and the relative smallness of man. One of the most famous pieces of Japanese art; this extraordinary artwork has had a huge impact worldwide and has served as a source of inspiration to artists; both past and present. This beautifully illustrated book explores the meaning behind Hokusai's Great Wave; in the context of the Mount Fuji series and Japanese art as a whole. Taking an intimate look at the Wave's artistic and historical significance and its influence on popular culture; this concise introduction explains why Hokusai's modern masterpiece had such an impact after its creation in 1830 and why it continues to fascinate; inspire and challenge today.