The Great Wave off Kanagawa

The well-known Great Wave by Hokusai is the second sheet from the series of Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji. It became famous especially for its dynamic character and masterful rendition of peak motion – not only the motion of the breaking wave and splashing water, but also that of the fishing boats in the waves. Mount Fuji in the background forms a motionless counterpoint to the tumultuous waters as a symbol of the Japanese milieu par excellence.