The inspiration for out Batch #3 designs is Hokusai’s ‘The Great Wave’. Did you know it was actually a woodblock print and not a painting?
Few waves in history have made as big a splash as The Great Wave off Kanagawa. It’s a masterpiece that has been crashing through art, fashion, and pop culture for nearly 200 years. But what makes this wave so legendary?
Created in the early 1830s by Katsushika Hokusai, this iconic woodblock print captures a moment of sheer oceanic power. The towering wave, its claw-like crest curling towards the sky, threatens to engulf three tiny fishing boats. Meanwhile, in the distance, Mount Fuji stands calm and unmoved, a quiet contrast to the chaos of the sea.
Why is it so famous, and what makes it special?
It has all the ingredients of any great work of art, whether visual, written, or performed: drama, colour, curiosity, storytelling, and juxtaposition!
The Drama – The composition feels almost cinematic, freezing the wave at the peak of its power, just before it crashes down. It’s nature at its most dramatic!
The Colour – Hokusai used Prussian blue, a brand-new pigment at the time, giving the artwork a richness and depth that made it stand out.
East Meets West – Though a classic of Japanese ukiyo-e art, Hokusai also experimented with western-style perspective, making the wave seem even more towering and dynamic.
A Symbol of Power – Some see it as a metaphor for the unstoppable force of nature, while others view it as a reminder of resilience! The boats may be small, but they push forward regardless.From fine art museums to emojis, album covers to tattoos, The Great Wave continues to crash into our collective imagination. Who knew one wave could leave such a lasting impression?
Batch #3 pre-order window 19th - 25th April.
