THE GREAT WAVE

OFF KANAGAWA IDENTIFYING THE “THE GREAT WAVE OFF KANAGAWA”

This art has three main subjects matters the big wave, the three boats, and
the magnificent view of Mount Fuji far in the distance.

HOW THE “THE GREAT WAVE OFF KANAGAWA” PRESENTED?

In my interpretation, the fishermen are praising the ocean by bowing to it for

giving them jobs and food. But the true meaning of this masterpiece is
Hokusai representing the fear and respect for the ocean.

THE SOURCE OF “THE GREAT WAVE OFF KANAGAWA”

Katsushika Hokusai, the Japanese Ukiyo-e painter was born on October 31,
1760, in Katsushika city in Edo, Japan. He began painting when he was around
six years old. He learned about Ukiyo-e woodblock printing at Katsukawa
Shunshō’s studio but he was expelled there also.

CONTEXT OF THE HISTORY OF “THE GREAT WAVE OFF KANAGAWA”

This masterpiece was painted during the time of Edo period in Japan, which
traverse between the 1600s to 1800s, and was made and published around
1831. The Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji was a series of Hokusai’s painting
and ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa” was a part of it.

References:

USGS Science for a Changing World 1-888-ASK-USGS www.usgs.gov