The Great Wave of Kanagawa

Originally published sometime between 1830 and 1833, the Great Wave of Kanagawa otherwise known as the Great Wave or “The Wave”, is a woodblock print by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. In this Japanese tapestry themed art, the huge wave with its deep blues and white tips create a spectacular formation which is a piece of art on its own, purely created by the forces of nature of water and wind itself. As a yin yang symbol it is perfect as a metaphor for these concepts with the still elements of water made into a moving and energetic element by the force of wind. The almost caricature appearance of the waves has made this image a classic work to emerge from Asia which has captured the imagination of Western culture. In the foreground, almost hidden, we see the boats used for transporting fish, where eight fishermen on each are holding on. In the background is Mount Fuji which is again, almost hidden by the wave formations. Some believe that the massive waves represent a tsunami but according to the title notes, they could simply be representing large “waves of the open sea”. This image has become one of the most well known Asian images in the Western world. This tapestry is unlined and has a tunnel for easy hanging.