The Great Wave by Hokusai

Great Art Explained • Season 2 • Episode 4

About this episode

In 1639 Japan closed its borders and cut itself off from the outside world. Foreigners were expelled, Western culture was forbidden, and Entering or leaving Japan was punishable by Death. It would remain that way for over 200 years. It was under these circumstances that a quintessentially Japanese art developed. Art for the people that was consumed on an unprecedented scale.