In the Well of the Wave off Kanagawa, from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji

Katsushika Hokusai

1830-32

Woodblock print; ink and color on paper

Seattle Art Museum

One of the most recognizable images in the art world, Hokusai’s Great Wave is part of the series that depicts views of Mount Fuji in thirty-six different guises. Here, the sacred mountain is dwarfed and yet unmoved by the towering wave. First published for the New Year in 1831, this image was intended to be an auspicious one, not one depicting catastrophe, as perceived by many viewers today. Gift of Mary and Allan Kollar, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum Collection of Edwin (1889-1968) and Irma Grabhorn (1906-2003), San Francisco, California; by descent through the family; consigned to [Sebastian Izzard, Ne