Katsushika Hokusai (c. 1760--1849) was a Japanese artist during the Edo period known for his ukiyo-e paintings and prints. His 1831 print The Great Wave off Kanagawa is the most recognizable Japanese artwork in the world for its iconic depiction of a cresting wave with Mount Fuji in the distance. It is part of a series of woodblock prints titled Thirty-six View of Mount Fuji, which depicts the symbolic mountain from a variety of angles and seasons. Thought to represent a tsunami, the large breaking wave dominates the composition with foamed caps rendered in almost claw-like detail, a threat to the three long boats below.

Learn more about the work that inspired this pin HERE.