THE GREAT WAVE

Katsushika Hokusai, known as Hokusai (pronounced KOKE-SIE, like pie), 1860-1849, was a Japanese painter born in Edo, modern-day Tokyo.  He began painting at age six, possibly learning from his father.  He is known for creating a series of woodblock prints of Japan's most sacred mountain, Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji from different locations, in various seasons and weather conditions. 

One print in the series, Under the Wave off Kanagawa, (commonly known as The Great Wave) is a global icon that's instantly recognizable in both the East and the West. This work is one of the most famous works of art in the world. 

Under the Wave off Kanagawa
(commonly known as The Great Wave)
by Katsushika Hokusai

Hokusai used woodcut blocks to make thousands of impressions of his artworks.  In time, he added another ten images to the 36 views, resulting in 46 prints in the series.  He drew his inspiration from a real place in Sagami Bay, Kanagawa prefecture, a seaside spot with great waves.

The Great Wave symbolizes an important change happening to the Japanese society at the time.  A change that brought the presence of foreign influences represented by the uncertainty of the sea in contrast to the firmness and stillness of Mount Fuji, the symbol for the soul of Japan.  The Great Wave depicts the 'opening' of Japan to the West.

Notice how Hokusai created a scene that frames Mount Fuji.  The large waves, about to crush the fishermen in their boats clinging to their oars, appear larger than the mountain.  Hokusai depicts a fear of and respect for the ocean with this play on perspective.    

Water, in general, is essential for life, and waves are a natural expression of the movement of water and are often seen as symbols of growth, renewal and transformation.  The snow-capped mountain of Fuji, made tiny by the use of perspective, looks like it will be swallowed up by the wave.   Note how the artist incorporates lightheartedness with the spray from top of the crashing wave that looks like snow falling on the mountain.  This print shows the Japanese reverence for nature's awe-inspiring power and the ever-changing nature of existence.

The Great Wave reflects the influence of Western perspective, with a low horizon line, forcing the viewer's eye to the center of the scene.

It should be noted that this is not a painting, but rather a print that was commercially produced for the mass market.  Originally, thousands of copies and different editions were produced, even after the artist's lifetime. 

My learning about the art world is giving me an idea how people lived, thought and experienced major happenings in a way that written historical records alone might not fully capture.  Art reveals cultural beliefs, values and practices of people in the past through symbolism and the various techniques used in their artwork.  One thing for sure, there's so much to learn and an uncountable number of famous paintings to learn from.  Who knew that I'd find another source of learning from art.  That never crossed my mind.  As I say, life opens up opportunities for each of us at just the right time.  

Ta-ta for today.  I'll try to find more inspiration for us to look at tomorrow.