Editor’s Note
This article highlights the dynamic growth of the global art market, driven by high-profile auctions in Asia. It spotlights the record-breaking sale of Hokusai’s iconic “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” underscoring its significant impact and the enduring appeal of classic works in today’s market.
According to HypeBeast, the global art market continues its growth trajectory, fueled by sensational auctions in Asia. The woodblock print “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai has become the most talked-about piece in the auction market.
Sotheby’s Hong Kong held the “Masterpieces of Asian Art from the Okada Museum Collection” auction on November 22, achieving a total sales volume of $88 million and setting a new record for Asian art auctions. Notably, the auction for Hokusai’s woodblock print “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” lasted only eight minutes and set a record, selling for $2.8 million—three times its highest pre-sale estimate.
This globally renowned masterpiece of Japanese art, one of the most imitated works in the world, captivated the auction house. Part of Hokusai’s “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” series, this print is highly valued for its excellent state of preservation, powerful composition, and historical significance. The strong demand for a work with such profound cultural influence speaks to the presence of an affluent international collector base.
Hokusai’s ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’ is not only an endless source of inspiration for Western culture but also a masterpiece influenced by the West itself. Around 1830, before this work was created, Japan was entering an era of expanding diplomatic relations and integration with the Western world. The distinctive blue seen in Hokusai’s print, known as Prussian blue, was imported from Europe. This synthetic pigment, developed in the 18th century, is characterized by its high durability and deep hue.
When viewing ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa,’ audiences from any cultural background can sense the story of human strength confronting ferocious nature. The powerful wave, like a white “claw,” engulfs the fragile boats in the vast sea. Yet, amidst the fierce storm, the boats display a grace, as if clinging to and skillfully overcoming each wave.
These elements also reflect Hokusai’s profound Eastern philosophy of facing life’s storms and difficulties with a calm and composed mindset.
