Hokusai's Great Wave

By Timothy Clark

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0714124672
• ISBN13: 9780714124674
• Release Date: September 2012
• Publisher: British Museum Press
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.6" x 8.1"