The Great Wave Exhibit Returns to Art Institute of Chicago

After five years in storage, Katsushika Hokusai's iconic print, "The Great Wave," has returned to the Art Institute of Chicago. This piece, part of the renowned series "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji," was created in 1830 when Hokusai was 70 years old. The series is significant for popularizing landscape prints and features Mount Fuji in various perspectives and weather conditions. The print is notable for its use of Prussian blue pigment, which was newly accessible at the time. The Art Institute houses three original impressions of "The Great Wave," all produced after the first design. While thousands of copies were made during Hokusai's lifetime, only about 100 original prints are believed to exist today. The institution emphasizes that this artwork is a woodblock print, not a painting, and was mass-produced, continuing even after Hokusai's death. Due to the sensitivity of Japanese woodblock prints to light exposure, which can lead to fading and damage, "The Great Wave" is displayed for limited periods. Typically, it is shown for three months every four years, but this time it will be available for four months, until January 6, 2024. The print was put on display on a Thursday earlier this week, marking a significant event for art enthusiasts and the public alike. The return of this masterpiece not only highlights Hokusai's artistic legacy but also underscores the importance of preserving such culturally significant works. The Art Institute's careful management of the display ensures that future generations can appreciate this iconic image while minimizing potential damage from light exposure.