Full disclosure: I’ve never really been a fan of three kinds of art—anything that pre-dates the Renaissance Era, sculpture, and Asian art (in general, not just a specific era). For whatever reason, Asian art—even art from the 18th and 19th century—never really speaks to me.
However… I love the color blue. You could assemble a series of blue squares or stripes on a canvas and if the hues are pleasing enough I would (probably) sing the praises of the composition until the proverbial cows came home. Anything in my mind is salvageable with the right use and touch of cobalt blue, or its immediate cousins along the blue spectrum. So, when put into this context it is no wonder that I find The Great Wave Off Kanagawa to be a striking piece of art.
Because the title of the piece has the words “great wave” in it, many people, incorrectly, believe that the title refers to a tsunami and that the boats and people within the scene will most likely meet their demise. In fact, this picture depicts an okinami which translates merely to “wave of the open sea.”
From a design perspective this piece proves that less can be more. Look at how Hokusai creates the waves: they consist almost entirely of only four colors (white and three shades of blue) but the way that those colors are used still provide a depth and a reality that feeds the imagination. By using a sparse palette for the waves Hokusai also allows for them to blend in with Mt. Fuji in the background, allowing for a nice uninterrupted visual flow. It almost looks as though the tallest wave actually merges with Mt. Fuji, and because the palette is so similar it makes the waves look like mountains and vice versa—a brilliant and deceptively simple technique.
The Great Wave is not only Hokusai’s most recognized and famous masterpiece but to many Americans (and possibly Europeans too) this piece in some way defines and represents Japanese art as a whole. Which is saying a lot, considering that the original woodcut measures at just under 11 x 15 inches.
If you enjoy Asian art—or the color blue—The Great Wave Off Kanagawa is probably already a favorite for you. If you have never been introduced to Asian art outside of the prints that hang on the walls of the Asian restaurant(s) that you frequent, this piece is probably the best introduction one could receive.
This is one of the prettiest pieces and best designed works of art that I have seen. Its design aesthetic and movement is transcendent.
And the blues are gorgeous.
by Katsushika Hokusai
Color woodcut
c. 1829-32