Antique Katsushika Hokusai “The Great Wave” Woodblock print Museum Quality. Katsushika Hokusai (1760 – 1849). Definitely Early 20th Century Woodblock print as the print has publisher Shima Art Company seal on the woodblock print of “Under the wave off Kanagawa” (the great wave) from the Thirty-six Views of Mt. Shima Art company imported woodblock prints from the 19th century of “Under the Wave Off Kanagawa” (the great wave) as well. Date: Early 20th century. Size: 10 inches x 15 inches (26cm Height 38.5 Width). Framed 14 1/2 inches x 18 1/2 inches. The Great Wave off Kanagawa is a landscape-format yoko-e print that was produced in an oban size of 26 x 38.5cm (10 inches x 15 inches) the landscape is composed of three elements: a stormy sea, three boats, and a mountain. The artist’s signature is visible in the upper left-hand corner and the publishers stamp is underneath (the red round stamp with bird and mountain inside circle). Condition: very good condition: impression and state. Print does have color fading on the front and a few age spots on the back of the woodblock to be expected with age. Museums throughout the world want to hold copies of The Great Wave, many of the museums copies are from private collections which are from 19th century and 20th century Japanese prints. The Great Wave off Kanagawa has been described as “possibly the most reproduced image in the history of all art, ” as well as being a contender for the most famous artwork in Japanese history. This woodblock print has influenced several notable artists and musicians, including Vincent van Gohn, Claude Debussy, Claude Monet, and Utagawa Hiroshige. Shima Art Company – Founded in 1908 in New York City by Kobe-born E. Shima imported original ukiyo prints, the Shima Art Company began publishing shin-hanga prints and ukiyo-reprints in the late 1920s, working with two companies in Japan to produce the woodblock prints. These lovely reprints accurately reproduce the fine line work and coloring of the original designs. Most bear the Shima seal, a crane with outstretched wings over Mt. In 1940, the well-known Japanese print collector Robert O. Muller bought the company, renaming it the Robert Lee Gallery in October 1940. A great opportunity to add a classic ukiyo-e subject to your collection. Hokusai – Hokusai was born an artist. He once wrote, since the age of six I have had the habit of depicting things. He apprenticed under several major artists and practiced as a woodblock print carver, which is very unusual for an artist in the woodblock print field. He was known as a master of the landscape print and designed some incredible series, including The Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji, which includes probably the most recognizable Japanese woodblock of all time, The Great Wave. His landscapes combine masterful compositions and excellent draftsmanship with the greatest skill in printing techniques. Collectors prize Hokusai’s wonderful ukiyo-e images of the great wave. If you’re interested in collecting an original Hokusai – the great wave or have always dreamed of owning a Hokusai – the great wave, this is a fantastic opportunity to own one.