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The Bayerische Staatsbibliothek recently acquired one of the world's most famous works of art, the "Great Wave" by Katsushika Hokusai (1760 – 1849). "Under the Wave off Kanagawa", which is the actual title of the coloured woodblock print, was created by Hokusai in the years 1830/32. The work forms part of his presumably most famous series of woodblock prints, the "36 views of Mount Fuji". It could be acquired from a private collection for a price in the lower 7-digit range. The print forms the conclusion and at the same time apex of a series of acquisitions of works by Hokusai by the library in the course of the past months.

The "Great Wave", woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai (1760 – 1849), 1830/32 | © BSB/Res/4 L.jap. K 408

The "Great Wave" is an icon of art, its motif being world-famous, with interpretations galore. The sacred Mount Fuji lies tranquil in the background, while a giant wave appears to crash over fishing boats in the foreground. The depiction has been interpreted as a manifestation of the beauty as well as the destructive force of nature, as a metaphor for the transience of human life and as a symbol of the West's foray into Japan.

The "Great Wave" is an impressive specimen of Hokusai's masterful artistry. It was a source of inspiration for artists of Impressionism, Japonism and other modern art movements. Today, it is considered not only as Japan's most famous work of art, but it is a global icon. Entering "Great Wave of Kanagawa" in Google yields around 12.3 million hits. It has become a fixture of popular culture, appearing in the form of emojis, in advertising or as merchandise.

Art-technological examinations conducted at the Institute of Conservation of the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek have confirmed that the newly acquired coloured woodblock print is an early, extraordinarily well-preserved print from the original printing plates cut in 1830/32. This acquisition will be one of the highlights of the annual exhibition of the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek being planned for 2025, which will be dedicated to the collection of Japanese coloured woodblock prints.

Bavaria's Minister of the Arts Markus Blume stresses:

And another success for the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek: A further jewel is added to the impressive Japanese collection by acquiring the 'Great Wave' by Katsushika Hokusai. I am very pleased that this top-class print could be acquired by a Bavarian institution. Munich thus forms part of the small number of places in Germany whose collections hold such gems by this world-famous master artist.

The Japanese collection of the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek comprises around 90,000 printed volumes, 100 manuscripts and 900 single-sheet prints. It features outstanding single pieces and contains a multitude of rare works which are richly illustrated with coloured woodblock prints.
Further information on the Japanese collection of the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek

Press release for download (PDF, 5.5 MB) (in German)

Contact

Dr. Klaus Ceynowa
Director General
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek
Ludwigstrasse 16, 80539 Munich
Phone +49 89 28638-2206
direktion@bsb-muenchen.de

Peter Schnitzlein
Head of Division Communications
Phone +49 89 28638-2429
presse@bsb-muenchen.de

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The "Great Wave" washes over the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek