Under the Wave off Kanagawa (The Great Wave)

Definition

"Under the Wave off Kanagawa" is a famous woodblock print created by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai during the Edo period. It depicts a towering wave about to crash over boats with Mount Fuji in the background. The print is known for its dynamic composition, use of perspective, and iconic representation of nature's power.

Related terms

Ukiyo-e:

A genre of Japanese art that includes woodblock prints like "Under the Wave off Kanagawa," often depicting scenes from everyday life or landscapes.

Katsushika Hokusai:

The artist who created "Under the Wave off Kanagawa." He was one of Japan's most renowned ukiyo-e artists and produced numerous other famous works.

Perspective: A technique used in art to create an illusion of depth and three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface. In "Under the Wave off Kanagawa," Hokusai used perspective to make Mount Fuji appear smaller than it actually is.