The Great Wave off Kanagawa Value Guide

The Great Wave off Kanagawa is the most celebrated masterpiece from Katsushika Hokusai's 'Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji' series, created between 1829 and 1833. It is highly collectible for its revolutionary use of imported Prussian blue ink and a composition that masterfully balances the power of nature against the stillness of Mount Fuji.

What affects the value of The Great Wave off Kanagawa?

• The quality and age of the reproduction, with mid-century woodblock reprints commanding higher prices than modern digital offsets.
• The condition of the paper, specifically looking for any fading of the blue pigments or foxing (brown spots) caused by moisture.
• The framing quality, as archival-grade mounting can preserve the ink and increase the overall market value toward the $200 range.
• The accuracy of the color registration, ensuring the different woodblock layers align perfectly without overlapping or gaps.

How to Identify The Great Wave off Kanagawa?

• Look for the distinct use of Prussian blue ink, which was a signature innovation of Hokusai during the early 1830s.
• Verify the presence of the artist's signature and the series title, 'Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji', typically located in the upper left corner.
• Examine the paper quality for traditional Japanese washi characteristics, which should show a fibrous texture rather than a modern glossy finish.
• Check for the specific 'claw-like' foam droplets on the crest of the wave, a hallmark of Hokusai's intricate woodblock carving style.

History of The Great Wave off Kanagawa

Part of Hokusai's 'Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji' series, 'The Great Wave' is one of the most recognizable works of Japanese art. Created during the Edo period, it showcases the artist's masterful use of Prussian blue and his innovative composition, influencing countless Western artists.