The Great Wave of Kanagawa from Japanese Artist Hokusai

The art forms are mostly embraced from the nature. The human forms are also seen in the artwork. In some art pieces the extreme forms are clear while in others they are subtle. The first wooden block prints featured deities and sacred sutras. They were meant to given as free in temples to believers. Later on, the expensive forms of paintings and calligraphy emerged. During Edo period the objects of drawings were lovers, courtesans and beautiful Kabuki actors.

While modern Japan has skyscrapers, malls and corporates, a part of ancient culture still remains unchanged in the land of ancient temples, Japanese traditions and Zen. The culture and history are the dominant factors in shaping traditional Japanese art. The floating world – concept of “Ukiyo” came from Buddhist teachings. Since the objects of desire are impermanent, one was preached to detach from worldly pleasures and aspirations. However, the original meaning was lost and people thought to indulge and saviour pleasure since they were fleeting. Cherry blossoms in haiku and were celebrated due to the transient nature of spring. They found their place in woodblocks print too.

This seems to be one of the most popular works of Japanese art. Pristine and ancient, we see it all the time in modern posters, T shirts and wall art. The writing is imminent, it is Japanese if one looks at it carefully. At a distance there is a small object compared to the enormous, giant wave. It is Japan's famous mountain volcano Mount Fuji.

Does it seem like a normal wave? Well for some, it may look gigantic like tsunami. Although the wave is big it is not the monstrous tidal wall of tsunami. What else do you comprehend? Can you trace out 3 boats, they appear to be engulfed by the great wave. Also, the waves are drawn with the ends as claws or fingers. Probably like a monster from Japan Manga, a comic, a cartoon or an anime.

It looks as if the wave will gobble the boats. By the way, have you wondered the fate of the boat and the state of the people sailing in it. Do you see if they are panicking? On the contrary, they look ready to embrace the wave. They know they will come out without much damage if they hold on tight and keep calm.

This work was made from a woodblock print. The artist began this artwork when he was 62 years old. Not young but still a sharp witty chap. He continued this work for the next 8 years. The Great Wave is one piece in a series of 36 blocks. The artist captured Mount Fuji during different seasons at different angles and varying times of day as well as distances. The drawing was scratched onto a wooden block. Ink was applied to it and later was pressed onto paper.

Katsushika Hokusai made The Great Wave off Kanagawa during the period 1820 to 1831. The art of making such woodblock prints was called the making of Ukiyo-e Prints in Edo period. The earlier blocks were black and white but later colours were added by Hokusai. Hokusai focused on daily lives of Japanese and moved away from the tradition of making beautiful images of courtesans. He was particularly interested in drawing the ocean waves, which brought him breakthrough in his career and popularity. The quintessential scene of fishermen battling the sea off the coast of Mount Fuji brought him a level of recognition even during Edo period.