The Great Wave by Katsushika Hosukai still stands as one of the most prolific contemporary visual icons, bringing its artistic and nostalgic allure to clothing, advertising, and even your iPhone. If you’ve ever taken a close look at the wave emoji, it’s likely the most ubiquitous depiction of a wave you’ve seen, but its origins date back to the 1800s.

The practice of Japanese woodblock printing, known as Ukiyo-e, originated in the Edo Period (the final era of traditional Japanese government). Referring to the impermanence of existence, Ukiyo-e translates to ‘Pictures of the Floating World’, and depicted daily life in Japan with images of Kabuki actors and courtesans. At the time, foreign trade in Japan was restricted and Ukiyo-e were widely circulated within Japanese culture, as prints were both cheap and relatable. While Ukiyo-e seldom showcased nature, Hokusai revolutionised the art form by bringing landscapes into his focus.

“All I have done before the the age of 70 is not worth bothering with. At 73, I began to grasp the structures of birds and beasts, insects and fish, and of the way plants grow.”

The first print of Hokusai’s series, 'Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji, The Great Wave' became widely recognised due to the use of European elements such as linear perspective and a rare chemically invented pigment, Prussian Blue. Hokusai’s integration of European styles ultimately contributed to his success in the West. In 1853, Japanese ports opened and wider foreign commerce began. The Great Wave symbolized the new Japanese era in which foreign influences were accepted, with the wave bringing a cultural shift and Mt. Fuji representing the eternal strength of Japan’s soul.

Ukiyo-e first arrived in Europe as low-cost prints for use as wrapping paper, yet their decorative portrayal of everyday subjects was recognised by the likes of Van Gogh and Degas. Over time, the compositional style of Ukiyo-e influenced the aesthetic of Impressionism and the term Japonism was coined to refer to the incorporation of Ukiyo-e in Western art.