Few artworks in history have captured the world’s imagination like Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa. This iconic woodblock print has transcended its origins in 19th-century Japan to become a universal symbol of both nature’s beauty and its raw power. While many people recognize the wave itself, there are layers of history, meaning, and craftsmanship that elevate The Great Wave beyond a mere depiction of the ocean. Here are 12 fascinating facts to deepen your appreciation of this masterpiece.
1. The Wave Is Not Actually a Tsunami
It’s easy to look at The Great Wave and think of a tsunami—a destructive force of nature. But what Hokusai depicts here isn’t a tsunami, it’s likely a “rogue wave.” In Japanese maritime culture, rogue waves are large and sudden but not as devastating as tsunamis. These waves often appear without warning, overwhelming ships and sailors. The boats in Hokusai’s print—called oshiokuri-bune—are cargo vessels, most likely transporting fish or other goods from the Izu Peninsula to the capital, Edo (modern-day Tokyo).
2. It’s Part of a Larger Series, Not a Standalone Piece
While The Great Wave stands out as Katsushika Hokusai’s (葛飾 北斎) most famous work, it’s only one print from his celebrated series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. In this series, Hokusai explored various perspectives of Japan’s most sacred mountain. By doing so, he not only paid homage to Mt. Fuji but also displayed his mastery of depicting both the landscape and human life in relation to it. Each view reveals a different aspect of life in Japan, with Mount Fuji serving as a constant, grounding presence.
Thought to have been launched in 1831, The Great Wave is also know by its full name of “Under the well of the Great Wave off Kanagawa” (Kanagawa oki nami ura, 神奈川沖浪裏.)
3. Hokusai’s Mastery of Composition Shines
One of the reasons The Great Wave feels so dynamic is its remarkable composition. Hokusai balanced chaos and control through his use of line and proportion. The large, crashing wave dominates the scene, yet the small but enduring figure of Mount Fuji (known as Fujisan in Japanese) in the background provides a sense of stability and permanence. The boats and fishermen are caught in the grip of nature, yet their calm demeanor suggests resilience. The clever interplay of scale—small Fuji under the wave’s curve—suggests a world where even mountains can be dwarfed by the sheer force of the ocean.
4. It Was a Breakthrough for Blue in Japanese Art
The Great Wave marked a significant shift in the use of color, particularly blue, in Japanese woodblock printing. The vibrant Prussian blue in the print had recently been imported from Europe, and it revolutionized Japanese art. Before this time, indigo was a dominant color, but it lacked the depth and intensity of Prussian blue. The deep blue gave Hokusai’s ocean an otherworldly vibrancy, making the waves feel both beautiful and menacing. This blue would go on to define not only Hokusai’s series but much of Japanese art that followed.
5. It Reflects the Ukiyo-e Spirit
Hokusai’s The Great Wave belongs to the ukiyo-e genre, a style of art that flourished in Japan from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Ukiyo-e translates to “pictures of the floating world” and often depicted the pleasures of life, from kabuki actors to landscapes. Though ukiyo-e often celebrated transient moments of beauty, Hokusai managed to infuse deeper philosophical meaning into his prints. With The Great Wave, Hokusai captured the fleetingness of human existence against the immensity of nature—a sentiment deeply tied to Zen Buddhist philosophy.
Read more: 11 Most Influential Ukiyo-e Artists: Masters of Japanese Woodblock Prints
6. It’s a Masterpiece of Woodblock Printing
While Hokusai designed The Great Wave, the print itself was a collaborative effort involving skilled craftsmen. After Hokusai drew the design, expert carvers meticulously carved each line into wooden blocks, a delicate process that could take months. Each color in the print required a separate block, and the alignment had to be perfect for the final image to come together. The result is a work of art that stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the Edo period, where artistic collaboration was essential.
It’s also quite small in size, measuring: 9 7/8 x 14 5/8 in. (25.1 x 37.1 cm.)–what is known as an oban standard size.
Read more: What is Ukiyo-e? A Dive into Japanese Woodblock Prints
7. Viewing from Right to Left Amplifies the Wave’s Impact
Traditionally, Japanese is read from right to left, and this cultural context can change how one experiences The Great Wave. Viewing the print from right to left leads the eye from the small, serene Mount Fuji towards the looming, crashing wave. This progression builds tension as the viewer approaches the colossal force of nature, enhancing the wave’s dramatic power. The cultural influence of reading direction adds a unique perspective that many Western viewers might not immediately consider.
8. It’s a Global Icon, But It Took Time to Catch On
Although we now view The Great Wave as one of the most recognizable images in art history, it didn’t achieve instant fame. When Hokusai created this print around 1831, ukiyo-e was considered more of a popular art form than a fine art tradition. It was only when Japan opened its borders to the West in the mid-19th century that the world discovered ukiyo-e prints. European artists, including Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh, were deeply influenced by Hokusai’s work, and they helped spread its fame. It’s ironic that The Great Wave is more celebrated today than in Hokusai’s own time.
Today, you can find The Great Wave celebrated in all forms of goods: from Converse shoes, a Swatch watch, Japanese pencil erasers, Fender guitars, a Lego set, to even the 1000 JPY banknote.
9. The Wave Is Full of Hidden Details
At first glance, the wave seems like a simple scene of nature, but upon closer inspection, you’ll notice Hokusai’s intricate attention to detail. The crest of the wave resembles grasping claws, threatening to envelop the boats below. This intentional design choice amplifies the wave’s sense of menace. Meanwhile, Hokusai captures the human element—despite the wave’s imminent crash, the fishermen remain calm, a nod to the idea of facing adversity with composure. These subtle details offer viewers a deeper, more nuanced experience each time they look at the print.
Read more: The Iconic Power of The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai
10. Mount Fuji Symbolism Runs Deep
Mount Fuji may appear small in The Great Wave, but its significance is enormous. For centuries, Mt. Fuji has held spiritual importance in Japan, symbolizing endurance, peace, and eternity. By juxtaposing the colossal wave with the calm and unshakable Fuji, Hokusai conveyed a powerful message about nature’s duality—its ability to both create and destroy. This combination of danger and serenity resonates on a universal level, making The Great Wave feel timeless.
Fuji’s role as a sacred icon also connects to Hokusai’s personal reverence for the mountain. It wasn’t just a subject for his art—it was a constant inspiration throughout his long career.
Read more: 10 Amazing Facts About Mount Fuji
11. Many Versions of The Great Wave Exist
You might wonder how many original prints of The Great Wave survive today. The answer is complicated. Since woodblock printing involves using carved blocks to create multiple prints, there are several hundred known impressions of The Great Wave in existence. Researchers have identified 113 impressions in museums and private collections today, out of an estimated 8,000 or more impressions created. However, due to the nature of woodblock printing, each version slightly differs. The blocks would wear down over time, creating variations in line sharpness and color intensity. Collectors and museums worldwide hold some of the best-preserved versions, but slight differences in color and detail distinguish each one, giving each impression its own character.
Read more: Mapping the Evolution of The Great Wave
11. The Great Wave is the Most Expensive Ukiyo-e Artwork
The Great Wave by Hokusai when seen at auction often fetches in excess of $500,000, with prices varying due to condition and wear, as well as, provenance.
Recently, two back to back auctions saw Christie’sauctioned the masterpiece for an impressive $856,800. The following day, Bonhams matched the excitement byselling another impression of the same print for $889,500.
A near-pristine edition of The Great Wave becamethe most expensive ukiyo-e artwork sold at auction fetching $2.76 million at Christie’sin March 2023.
Another auction saw a complete set ofHokusai’s Thirty Six Views of Mount Fuji Sell for $3.5 Millionwhich included an edition of The Great Wave.
The Great Wave off Kanagawa endures because it speaks to fundamental truths about life, nature, and the human spirit. Hokusai managed to capture a moment of tension between calm and chaos, making the viewer reflect on the impermanence of both beauty and danger. With every look, new details emerge, making this woodblock print an artwork that rewards both casual viewers and art historians alike. The next time you see The Great Wave, remember that beneath its surface lies a rich world of symbolism, craftsmanship, and history.
Read more:
- 11 Things to Know About Collecting Japanese Woodblock Art
- Collecting Ukiyo-e Art: A Guide for Beginners
- 6 of the Most Prominent Mount Fuji Ukiyo-e Art Prints
- 5 Best Places to See Mount Fuji: A Guide to Japan’s Majestic Peak
- The Art of Kamon: Discovering Japan’s Timeless Family Crests
At the Art of Zen we have a wide selection of original Japanese art prints in the ukiyo-e and Japandi style. Some of our best selling work is Mount Fuji wall art and Japandi wall art.
Add some zen to your space with some art from the Art of Zen shop.
