Iconic Wave Artwork on Japan's Banknotes

Tokyo is honoring the renowned artist Katsushika Hokusai with a significant exhibition at a museum dedicated to his work. The centerpiece of the exhibition is Hokusai's iconic print, The Great Wave, part of the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, created between 1830 and 1833 when the artist was 70. This print is a hallmark of Japonisme, a 19th-century movement that captivated European artists with its unique aesthetic characterized by asymmetry, vibrant colors, and expressive lines. The Great Wave has transcended its origins, becoming a popular symbol of Japan in Western culture, frequently appearing on various merchandise, including book covers and apparel. It is housed in prestigious institutions like the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, drawing comparisons to globally recognized artworks such as the Mona Lisa. Curator Atsuko Okuda notes the significance of a print once displayed in ordinary homes now being celebrated alongside elite commissioned works. The exhibition coincides with the introduction of a new 1,000-yen banknote featuring The Great Wave, highlighting its status as a cultural icon. However, the print is a cultural hybrid, blending European techniques with Chinese and Japanese artistic traditions. Okuda emphasizes the influence of Western perspective in the composition, which alters the viewer's perception of Mount Fuji. Despite the popularity of The Great Wave, many reproductions suffer from poor quality due to the deterioration of printing plates. The Sumida Hokusai Museum showcases three different copies, rotating them for public viewing. The print's value is underscored by a recent auction where a copy sold for $2.7 million, reflecting its enduring impact on art and culture.