The Great Wave by Hokusai: Great Art Explained

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  • Опубликовано: 13 май 2024
  • Great Art Explained totally unique merchandise available here - crowdmade.com/collections/gre...
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    "What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter 12 December 2020
    "Thoroughly researched and cleverly presented, with stunning visuals, Great Art Explained makes you realise that familiarity with a work of art sometimes makes us indifferent to its power" - Forbes Magazine, 9 July 2020
    Great art explained. James Payne discusses the Great Wave.
    I started "Great Art Explained" during lockdown. My aim is to make videos which focus on one great artwork. I want to present art in a jargon free, entertaining, clear and concise way with no gimmicks.
    Subscribe and click the bell icon to get more arts content. Each video takes me about three weeks to a month, so I download at least once a month:
    ruclips.net/channel/UCePD...
    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.
    CREDITS
    All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
    Thanks to Bart Vergouwe for Dutch Subtitles.
    Thanks to Mi Nguyen for Vietnamese Subtitles
    Thanks to Dimitris Grammenos for Greek Subtitles
    Thanks to Charles Xiu for Chinese Subtitles
    Thanks to Cosimo Botticelli for Italian Subtitles
    Thanks to Victoria Drabik for German Subtitles
    Thanks to Tomas Iriarte for Spanish subtitles
    Thanks to Gustavo Lyra for Portuguese subtitles
    Many thanks to Takashi Shibata and Shannon Shibato-Germanos for helping me, in particular with my pronunciations!
    Many thanks to David Bull for permission to use his brilliant woodblock making videos. Watch his inspiring videos at - / seseragistudio
    David Bull's prints made with care and attention can be ordered here -mokuhankan.com/catalogue/0293...
    Music is copyright free - Debussy's Evocation of the Sea
    Incidental music - • [Free Royalty] Instrum...
    Animation by Peter Van Valkenburgh - vimeo.com/79636275
    Made in Tokyo - • Made In Tokyo  ~Ukiyo-...
    Drone footage - • Japan 2019 - | 4K | Dr...
    Reference books
    Hokusai: beyond the Great Wave, edited by Timothy Clark
    Hokusai: Thirty-six views by Amelie Balcou
    Ukiyo-e: The art of the Japanese print by Frederick Harris
    Manga and the Representation of Japanese History by Roman Rosenbaum
    A Brief History of Japan by Jonathan Clements
    A history of Japan by RHP Mason and JG Caiger

Комментарии • 2,3 тыс.

  • @GreatArtExplained
    @GreatArtExplained  2 года назад +84

    Great Art Explained totally unique merchandise available here - crowdmade.com/collections/greatartexplained

    • @yo2trader539
      @yo2trader539 Год назад +1

      Your intro is rather incorrect. Trade was conducted with the Chinese, Koreans, and Dutch even during the Edo period.

    • @varshasp3540
      @varshasp3540 Год назад +1

      .

    • @GreatArtExplained
      @GreatArtExplained  8 месяцев назад +1

      @@yo2trader539 yes - some trading was done, on a very small scale and on a very limited basis. The port was also moved to Dejima, Nagasaki, out of the way. I think that justifies the expression “cut themselves off from the outside world”?

  • @weareallbornmad410
    @weareallbornmad410 2 года назад +1541

    "Everything I've done before the age of seventy is not worth bothering with." Man, what a balm for my anxious soul worrying about having reached 30...! I think I needed to hear that xd

    • @dictablogger4037
      @dictablogger4037 2 года назад +17

      I feel you, man! I'm in the same boat.

    • @weareallbornmad410
      @weareallbornmad410 2 года назад +14

      @@dictablogger4037 Woman :) Thanks!

    • @shoaibakther1453
      @shoaibakther1453 2 года назад +2

      Lol. Old people

    • @sai-bi2rh
      @sai-bi2rh 2 года назад +33

      Yeah, it's really an incredible detail! The part where it mentions that the age of 60 is celebrated as a rebirth is very refreshing, and it's the same in my culture too! The other bit about Hokusai's belief that 'the older he gets, the better he becomes' is true to how much life there's left to live! Capitalism, its poor infrastructure and systems have convinced young people that one becomes worthless the moment they become unproductive (and productivity being judged by what can essentially be called 'industry standards' instead of being tied to different people and their abilities), so there's so much more I found in this video than just art and its history!

    • @jacquelinelion9879
      @jacquelinelion9879 2 года назад +6

      Imagine how I feel. I AM 70 this year!!!!! LOL

  • @neetiprakash4889
    @neetiprakash4889 3 года назад +10496

    This is the kind of stuff you watch to procrastinate without guilt. Love your videos!

  • @ShutUpStefana
    @ShutUpStefana 2 года назад +1149

    I have a puzzle of the great wave framed in my bedroom and just finished reading a book on Hokusai himself. I'm still pondering about something he said: ‘Until the age of 70, nothing I drew was worthy of notice. When I reach 80 years I hope to have made increasing progress, and at 90 to see further into the underlying principles of things, so that at 100 years I will have achieved a divine state in my art and at 110 every dot and every stroke will be as though alive.’
    I love this mentality of continuously growing and learning, because it shows that age is not a limit when it comes to developing oneself; quite the contrary.

    • @Charlie-pu9bx
      @Charlie-pu9bx Год назад +8

      Do you remember what the book was called? I would love to read it!

    • @LiLMessi1000
      @LiLMessi1000 Год назад +4

      also want to know the name of this book pls!!

    • @shifufuu
      @shifufuu Год назад +5

      Reminds me of the word "Ikigai".

    • @RainbowSkittles1242
      @RainbowSkittles1242 Год назад

      @@shifufuu what does ikigia mean?

    • @shifufuu
      @shifufuu Год назад +12

      @@RainbowSkittles1242 a reason for being; the thing that gets you up in the morning. It's a Japanese concept/way of life that promotes longevity and serenity.

  • @gpeddino
    @gpeddino 2 года назад +2791

    Some extra trivia for those who didn’t notice the soundtrack: a very famous piece of music that was inspired by the Great Wave was Debussy’s “La Mer”.

    • @jlavigne22
      @jlavigne22 2 года назад +21

      Bien sûr.

    • @simonestreeter1518
      @simonestreeter1518 2 года назад +25

      wow! Thanks! I know that piece but was so caught up in the fascinating narrative I didn't hear any music...

    • @bluesandroots2008
      @bluesandroots2008 2 года назад +2

      Yes! Great choice!

    • @vince1987
      @vince1987 2 года назад +32

      Just speaks volume of how well researched are his videos.

    • @OhSoTiredMan
      @OhSoTiredMan 2 года назад +37

      I love Debussy

  • @Yora21
    @Yora21 3 года назад +4579

    The cool thing about prints like these is that there isn't an original. Having it as a poster is as authentic as the first print. That's what it's supposed to be.

    • @remingtonpenaranda7762
      @remingtonpenaranda7762 3 года назад +40

      Well said

    • @ipwnyoudiehaha
      @ipwnyoudiehaha 3 года назад +236

      What you'd want is a print made in the traditional way and not just from a photocopier like all prints you find in the stores

    • @GreatArtExplained
      @GreatArtExplained  3 года назад +355

      The man in the Technique section is David Bull in Japan, His prints are extraordinary and made with care and attention - mokuhankan.com/index.html

    • @LinXXX03
      @LinXXX03 3 года назад +181

      I have to partially disagree, HippoButtSecks said it well. As long as it is created using the original blocks in a traditional way, then its an original. A photocopy printed digitally is a copy

    • @Yora21
      @Yora21 3 года назад +68

      @@LinXXX03 It's woodblock printing. Those original blocks only last for a certain number of prints. After that you have to make new ones.

  • @phoenixdzk
    @phoenixdzk 3 года назад +2250

    I've had a picture of that painting up on a wall for 3 years, only just now seeing the boats... I gotta start paying more attention to stuff, geez

    • @walterlowe7252
      @walterlowe7252 3 года назад +63

      Same... mine is still up and I had to take a good look at it after this

    • @phlattgetit
      @phlattgetit 3 года назад +79

      I've never seen the boats or the mountain. I Thought it was just another wave in the distance.

    • @powerofberzerker9487
      @powerofberzerker9487 3 года назад +30

      Y'all mofos are f-ing insane. But I get your point. Before I started looking at art more carefully, I never remembered boats or the Mountain which I thought was just another wave.

    • @papasscooperiaworker3649
      @papasscooperiaworker3649 3 года назад +35

      @@powerofberzerker9487 how are they insane if they did what you did tho

    • @powerofberzerker9487
      @powerofberzerker9487 3 года назад +19

      @@papasscooperiaworker3649 I have taken a quick look at the painting couple of times but never really looked at it closely. Once I did, I noticed both the boats and the mountain. Until that point, from the quick glances, I'd always remembered the main wave and waves but that's about it. These bastards have the painting at home and didn't see the boats... I've only seen it on the internet.

  • @sillygoose1342
    @sillygoose1342 2 года назад +469

    I’m an art teacher and showing these to my students is a great way to get them interested in learning art history! Thanks so much

    • @GreatArtExplained
      @GreatArtExplained  2 года назад +21

      Thank you for teaching art! 🙏

    • @callouscloud
      @callouscloud Год назад +5

      Our art history teacher also gave us an assignment on this video

    • @takeru2702
      @takeru2702 Год назад +2

      I am japanese

  • @justotorres5860
    @justotorres5860 Год назад +155

    One of the biggest commodities at this time in Edo (now Tokyo) was fresh seasonal fish. You figure that Japan being an island would have all sorts of fish throughout the entire year, but it happens that the warm seasonal currents of the Pacifics would bring different schools of fish like mackerel and tuna at different times. The three intrepid boats in Hokusai's The Wave are not fishermen, but teamster delivery boats that were known for their speed and bravery in facing the rough sea surrounding the island. The team consisted of 10 strong men, 8 rowing nonstop with 2 alternating and resting every so often. In the wood print, you actually can see the team rowing in the back of the boats and the two extra men resting in between the team and the precious cargo at the front of the boat. These boats were designed to cut through the giant waves and were airtight so that even if the waves would crush over them they could continue rowing through them. Needless to say that these men were considered to be the Dare Devils of the sea and idealized by common people. A perfect subject for Hokusai who was well known for depicting the working class.

  • @jerrysstories711
    @jerrysstories711 3 года назад +291

    I'm a scientist with great enthusiasm for art but not a lot of knowledge of it. Channels like this one help fill the gaps in my long but specialized education. This makes me so grateful to live in the era of the internet and of content creators.

  • @dbarker7794
    @dbarker7794 3 года назад +352

    The skill of the woodcarvers is crazy.

    • @WLHS
      @WLHS 2 года назад +2

      I studied and practiced the art at bendigo university.

  • @jameslangschied7900
    @jameslangschied7900 Год назад +18

    I turn 70 this year, so I guess I'd better get started with the best part of my life. Oh boy!

  • @angy7537
    @angy7537 Год назад +166

    What I love about these videos is that they give historical context. I was always told in Art class that Europeans were heavily inspired by the Japanese, but just now I could finally understand why it made a huge impact on them.

  • @aba4055
    @aba4055 3 года назад +122

    wake up babe new Great Art Explained video just dropped

  • @theartworkshop
    @theartworkshop 3 года назад +557

    Great video!! Vincent Van Gogh was a lover of Japanese art. Many of his paintings were inspired by Japanese prints- the sky in Starry Night being the quintessential version.

    • @zeldapinwheel7043
      @zeldapinwheel7043 2 года назад +15

      Nobody ever talks about his "japanese period". I never understood that.

    • @df3172
      @df3172 2 года назад +10

      hmmmm. i never knew von gogh admired / loved japanese art. wow. & some of van gogh's paintings were inspired by that art. good to know. sometimes i really love the comments from a zillion websitres, as i will learn something new to me -- like here! so thanks very much for sharing this! =0)

    • @soviet_yoda8820
      @soviet_yoda8820 2 года назад +10

      Interresting because Van Gogh and Japanese art is my favourite

    • @bishplis7226
      @bishplis7226 Год назад

      many yes, in total an very marginal number, nothing he is famous for

    • @bishplis7226
      @bishplis7226 Год назад

      @@zeldapinwheel7043 because nobody cared, thats why

  • @mattsephton
    @mattsephton Год назад +24

    Super summary, thank you! The only thing I didn't hear you mention is the fact that Westerners interpret the image from left to right, but Japanese people interpret the image from right to left. This changes it from "giant wave about to engulf fishing boats" (Western reading) to "fishing boats approach giant wave" (Japanese reading) which is a subtle but meaningful difference. Nevertheless, great video!

    • @orz-tube
      @orz-tube 4 месяца назад +2

      素晴らしい着目点ですね!

  • @footfault1941
    @footfault1941 Год назад +36

    Being a Japanese, I must admit a fact: I'm taken aback, although the most of the nation would share the sensation. This can't be found in ordinary common knowledge of the public. An impressive content with awe sprinkled everywhere. Greatly appreciated for an elaborate work backed with wide & deep researches on top of a pick of Hokusai!

  • @user-mk8dv7oo1d
    @user-mk8dv7oo1d 3 года назад +567

    The last name (The most left column 11:56 ) of Hokusai is "画狂老人卍" (Gakyo Rojin Manji) which means Painting-Crazy Old Man Manji (Fortune Symbol).

    • @ExploringArtwithAlessandro
      @ExploringArtwithAlessandro 3 года назад +11

      that's interesting :-)

    • @weareallbornmad410
      @weareallbornmad410 2 года назад +34

      Is that why Japanese artists changed their name so often? They made up joking pseudonyms with meaning behind them? Genuine question, and if yes, that's so cool! :)

    • @lexiwagner4541
      @lexiwagner4541 2 года назад +8

      @@weareallbornmad410 i don't actually know the answer to this but when kanji is used in names it has two meanings(they have Chinese and Japanese readings), so sometimes one is just a name and the other might be something that has this type of meaning

    • @lzh97
      @lzh97 2 года назад +13

      A great artist with chuu-ni-byou in 19th, interesting

    • @kayannhorn233
      @kayannhorn233 2 года назад

      Thank you .😁

  • @Gldlynch
    @Gldlynch 3 года назад +398

    I’m Japanese and love this era of art but wow, your research has given me all new understanding, thank you 🙏🏼

  • @Stevens7123
    @Stevens7123 Месяц назад +1

    A man fully dedicated to his craft, he did what he loved, very admirable

  • @mayukhdatta4017
    @mayukhdatta4017 2 года назад +71

    It gives me goosebumps to think about the sheer magnitude of thoughts that go throughthe artists minds when they sit down and create these artworks. Reading paintings is like getting an insight into the mind of the artist himself. and its truly wonderful.

    • @alrightyru
      @alrightyru Год назад

      Unlike Lensa AI taking over art today!

  • @paranoidhumanoid
    @paranoidhumanoid 3 года назад +780

    Van Gogh was in awe of Hokusai and an avid collector of duplicate woodblock prints... 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

    • @vozamaraktv-art5595
      @vozamaraktv-art5595 3 года назад +34

      Van Gogh is my favourite painter ! He greatly admired Japanese art. ❤️

    • @mirkomakescovers1232
      @mirkomakescovers1232 2 года назад +41

      I've always thought that in some way the Great Wave inspired Van Gogh's Starry night, you can see the same shape of the wave in Vincent's painting, in the sky

    • @darcyvvalencia
      @darcyvvalencia 2 года назад +8

      @nmd d please stop

    • @cowsaysboo
      @cowsaysboo 2 года назад +15

      Van Gogh was definitely a huge fan of Japanese art. I went to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and it is a fact that he became obsessed with the Japanese art style when the Dutch traders brought back some Japanese art

    • @roberthoughtaling7727
      @roberthoughtaling7727 2 года назад +19

      so your saying van gogh was an early weeb? i like it ^.^

  • @katwil89
    @katwil89 3 года назад +721

    When the image transposed from The Great Wave to Starry Night, I gasped a little bit and got goose bumps. Those are the kinds of little secrets and back-stories that absolutely intrigue me and your videos never disappoint to provide them. I can't wait for the next video!!

    • @KhushiSingh-ix6fs
      @KhushiSingh-ix6fs 2 года назад +18

      I got goosebumps too! My jaw was on the floor.

    • @paratha176
      @paratha176 2 года назад +8

      it was my same reaction as well cuz i just saw the starry night's video yesterday !

    • @sai-bi2rh
      @sai-bi2rh 2 года назад +4

      @@paratha176 omg same!

    • @Gormdub
      @Gormdub Год назад

      D:

    • @abigailatienza8336
      @abigailatienza8336 Год назад

      SAAAME. MY HEART JUMPED.

  • @Rockerpianist
    @Rockerpianist Год назад +46

    Okay... I was looking for a video on how to appreciate art. I am just starting my journey in this at 30 yo and I just watched this video and I must just say thank you. I have a puzzle 2000 pieces of this painting and I wanted to know more too. I am in love now.

  • @Wallstreetavarice
    @Wallstreetavarice Год назад +52

    I don't know why RUclips recommended this but I am so happy it did. The knowledge being offered is astounding

  • @char252
    @char252 2 года назад +201

    Hokusai gets inspired by Dutch paintings and imbues European techniques into traditional Japanese woodblock prints, then later Gogh gets inspiration from Hokusai’s prints, and imbues Japanese techniques into traditional European paintings… It’s just like all these people from different times and places having intimate conversations about each other sharing their life views. Art is so pure, profound and incredible.

  • @rookangelofmercy7283
    @rookangelofmercy7283 3 года назад +479

    Hulu or Discovery+ needs to give u a weekly show with 24 episodes. Great work

    • @happy6146
      @happy6146 3 года назад +10

      Why is this so true. Give this man a budget and a show, I’d love it!!

    • @Leftatalbuquerque
      @Leftatalbuquerque 3 года назад

      @@happy6146 What would Sister Wendy say?

    • @codernakul
      @codernakul 3 года назад +2

      @@Leftatalbuquerque That you should not read 'stun amogus' backwards

    • @lamski3286
      @lamski3286 3 года назад +7

      This show should be on Netflix

    • @KateCarew
      @KateCarew 2 года назад +1

      PBS

  • @user-tr9yq6yn5e
    @user-tr9yq6yn5e 8 месяцев назад +7

    This work by Hokusai Katsushika is called "Great Wave" outside of Japan, but the Japanese name is "Fugoku Sanjurokkei - Kanagawa-oki Namiura". It was painted when Hokusai was 72 years old. 1832

  • @LEMONZEBRA554
    @LEMONZEBRA554 2 года назад +63

    The piece playing in the background is. Debussy’s La mer one of the most beautiful pieces of all time. It translates to the ocean great piece and great listen

  • @karenlusby6230
    @karenlusby6230 2 года назад +343

    “Art has a life of it’s own.” If this were a book, I would highlight this section. I never felt the threat in this print that the narrator talks about. Japanese until the modern era were always considered skilled coastal sailors. In this art, I’ve always seen the challenge between man and the sea. The danger - yes. The beauty and exhilaration of the sea - oh yes. The safety of land and the call of home (Fuji) - yes. But not the conflict of the times. I really appreciate the different perspective! Thank you!

    • @voidinheritant
      @voidinheritant 2 года назад +4

      i believe the idea that “everything has a life force/spirit” was popular in japanese shinto religion

    • @jamesmeppler6375
      @jamesmeppler6375 2 года назад +2

      Why do people highlight books? Everytime I see it done i ask the people, have you reread it since the first read, if no why would you ever highlight something and not just copy it somewhere else. You obviously aren't coming back to it anytime soon. But seriously, did you have to go with the most hipster response? This quote has been repeated for thousands of years, of course art has a life of its own, no one truly understands the artists enough to appreciate the true point of a piece of art, thusly its the observer who MAKES UP their own interpretation. Like the mona Lisa, its a portrait theres not supposed to be much connotations, its amazing that its so famous

    • @karenlusby6230
      @karenlusby6230 2 года назад +8

      @@jamesmeppler6375 Interesting comments! Why highlight? I highlight those words which resonate deeply with my experience and beliefs. And I appreciate those wordsmiths who can express simply what I have not had the words for until I hear their ‘voice’. All my adult life as an artist, I have heard that only ‘originality’ is the highest measure of the value of art, thought, or endeavor. I applaud and celebrate originality but that is not the only or best measure of ‘art’ or thought. I think there is a snobbery in that exclusionary view that underestimates the artistic value of learning and teaching and perfected technique and craftsmanship. Finally, not everyone is as well read or spoken as you think they should be. You might consider that some of us are apprentices beginning our journey and just delighting in our discoveries.

    • @siamesefightingfish2861
      @siamesefightingfish2861 2 года назад +6

      @@jamesmeppler6375 Did you really have to be so pedantic about a totally harmless comment?

    • @thatdumpling7051
      @thatdumpling7051 Год назад +2

      @@jamesmeppler6375 my brother in christ....

  • @pevangelista2779
    @pevangelista2779 3 года назад +34

    My cafe customer dropped of the book of the 36 views of Mt Fuji by Hokusai the other day since he knew how much I loved this artwork. 💟

  • @24sherbear
    @24sherbear 2 года назад +33

    This morning I saw a Georgia O’Keeffe painting of the mountain Pedernal in New Mexico. She was obsessed with painting it. Later in the afternoon I watched a short video on Cezanne’s obsession with painting the mountain Sainte Victoire. I end the evening with this painting and the artist’s paintings of Mr. Fuji. I knew the Impressionists were fascinated and inspired by Japanese art. And, I can see the progression now. I didn’t know the Japanese were inspired by the Dutch. What a full circle it became with Vincent. He was born in 1853, the same year Japan’s borders were opened. I just love the bread crumbs that connect the dots!

  • @MP-kv3fo
    @MP-kv3fo Год назад +9

    I am truly impressed by the details of the water, the wave, the fingers on the edge of the wave, the droplets painted in the image. This great wave picture was featured in a show a photographer made. He showed super slow motion and stills of waves, it showed the details where just like “the great wave” painting. Details the naked human eye cannot see. But this amazing painter somehow captured them. Amazing

  • @amanbytheway5985
    @amanbytheway5985 2 года назад +134

    Better analysis of this piece than when I saw this piece in person at an exhibition curated by 'professionals' and 'experts'.
    Very nice.

  • @joelkulesha8284
    @joelkulesha8284 3 года назад +732

    I'd love to see some more non euro-centric art discussed here! Especially Islamic art! I feel it's so rarely talked about with the respect that this channel gives to the art, artists, and cultures.

    • @GreatArtExplained
      @GreatArtExplained  3 года назад +220

      I agree with you - the issue for me is unfamiliarity - I do however have a few non European planned - thanks for watching 🙏

    • @irfan8702
      @irfan8702 3 года назад +81

      @@GreatArtExplained Take your time with your research. We trust in your capability to produce quality work. Keep it up

    • @madisonbrown8851
      @madisonbrown8851 3 года назад +4

      @@GreatArtExplained :D

    • @exteriorarchives
      @exteriorarchives 3 года назад +33

      yess!! i'd be SO happy to see islamic and middle eastern art as its so often swept under the rug despite its beauty!

    • @rohithpadikkal7082
      @rohithpadikkal7082 3 года назад +1

      Lovely german shepherd you have there

  • @manalalrahi8336
    @manalalrahi8336 2 года назад +45

    This channel has become my own Netflix! In love with everything it has to offer. All of a sudden procrastination doesn't feel like a sin anymore :D

  • @bryonyapril6925
    @bryonyapril6925 2 года назад +31

    I find woodblock prints so fascinating, I recently went to the British museum’s new Hokusai exhibition with lots of his drawings that were not made into woodblocks, it was interesting to see the works in their original state, and knowing that it would have been destroyed in the making, however it did also make me wonder how it would transfer to woodblock, and what colours would be used. My favourite was two cats in hibiscus.

  • @Johnnydoesnotsin
    @Johnnydoesnotsin 3 года назад +275

    I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR SOO LONG FOR A NEW ART DISCUSSION AND HERE IT IS🎨👨‍🎨

  • @johnni
    @johnni 3 года назад +30

    I spy with my little eye David Bull rubbing on a layer of ink. I had the privilege of visiting his shop in late 2019 when I visited Japan. Super cool guy and amazing story teller.
    Thanks for a great video and insight!

    • @GreatArtExplained
      @GreatArtExplained  3 года назад +4

      He is amazing and gave me permission to use his videos - a nice man! Thanks 🙏

  • @juicedgoose
    @juicedgoose 2 года назад +11

    Glad to see you linked David Bull's channel in the description. Anyone wanting to learn more about Japanese art will find a rich resource there.

  • @leeshepherd834
    @leeshepherd834 3 года назад +1069

    The fact he died penniless having to pay off his grand son's gambling debts just shows how cruel our world is.

    • @ExploringArtwithAlessandro
      @ExploringArtwithAlessandro 3 года назад +7

      Yes I agree!

    • @neliaferreira9983
      @neliaferreira9983 3 года назад +103

      It was his choice to give up that money. How is that cruel?
      The world is not cruel. The world just is. Whether we call it cruel or wonderful tells more about ourselves than the world...

    • @kornaxon3522
      @kornaxon3522 2 года назад +4

      😔 Poor old man...

    • @utkarsh2746
      @utkarsh2746 2 года назад +126

      @@neliaferreira9983 Your attempt at trying to sound zen is admirable but for someone to have given the world something so beautiful and yet suffer so much is sad on every level and to deny that suffering is just inhuman. He gave up that money because of emotional attachment, your denial of it is perhaps also because of some emotional pain.

    • @abbiecamello579
      @abbiecamello579 2 года назад +17

      @@utkarsh2746 nah he was probably happy to help his grandson shit happens he was happy too supposedly so that’s all’s that matters I’d like to think using the money to help his grandson made him happy

  • @emmanuelgarza7149
    @emmanuelgarza7149 2 года назад +47

    I love it when you find out a piece that is known by everyone was just one in a series or considered "cheap art" while outlasting much of its high class versions. It's amazing.

  • @bobblues1158
    @bobblues1158 Год назад +9

    Great! I am a Jazz Saxophonist and have played many times in Japan and am deeply impressed by the art produced during this period of isolation from .......

  • @TJ_SURF
    @TJ_SURF 2 года назад +8

    The Great Wave of Kanagawa is so popular and famous that Apple decided to create an emoji in it’s honour 🌊

  • @Na7lasterone
    @Na7lasterone 3 года назад +75

    Ironically, Starry Night and The Great Wave are my favorite paintings of all time. Thanks for the content.

    • @Ronguojian
      @Ronguojian 2 года назад +2

      Me tooooo!!!!

    • @rptinfiniti
      @rptinfiniti 2 года назад +1

      Yess me too!!

    • @Torrana
      @Torrana 2 года назад +1

      Alanis? Morrisette? is that you? ;)

  • @TopLobster11
    @TopLobster11 3 года назад +49

    Excited for Van Gogh🙌🏻🖤

  • @0HARE
    @0HARE Год назад +11

    Such a fabulous episode.
    I love this image so much.
    Your explanation of how it was conceived, painted, and reproduced, and the cultural setting in which it lived was fascinating.
    Thank You

  • @retromodernism1799
    @retromodernism1799 2 года назад +8

    An absolute joy to watch! Research, production and presentation are all of the very highest order.

  • @cks2k2
    @cks2k2 3 года назад +58

    I had the pleasure of watching a printmaker make a copy of the Great Wave, in all places, Singapore.
    He was part of a cultural troupe touring the region and I learned a few things:
    1. The woodblocks and most of their equipment need to be made from specific old cherry trees that are becoming harder to find.
    2. To preserve traditional arts, the govt provides a stipend to nationally acknowledged artists/craftsman.
    Unfortunately most of the masters are in their 80s/90s, coupled with low birth rates and very long apprenticeships (10+ years is common) very few young ppl are interested. The printmaker I met was in his 40s and considered young. The govt had to ask the old masters to accelerate the knowledge transfer.

    • @kayannhorn233
      @kayannhorn233 2 года назад

      So cool!

    • @Torrana
      @Torrana 2 года назад

      re. your second point, I faintly recall from a film that maybe the Japanese gov calls them Living Treasures?

  • @hydrangeapeony2835
    @hydrangeapeony2835 2 года назад +67

    So many times I stand in front of a painting, trying to 'see' what people 'see', to 'appreciate' the 'brilliance' claimed by so many people...yet I fail.
    Thanks for explanations, and much more importantly, the education. You got me 'subscribed' just after 1 video (Van Gogh).
    Much appreciated!

  • @toomignon
    @toomignon 4 месяца назад +5

    I’ve always thought the “Great Wave” was exaggeratedly narrow…..then when I watched the Tsunami video from 2011 this is EXACTLY THE SHAPE of many Tsunami waves. Happy New Year from Tokyo.

  • @darbyreviews1801
    @darbyreviews1801 2 года назад +4

    I appreciate the love and thoroughness that you show for each and every painting that you cover. These videos bring me feelings of enjoyment in a rather dull society we currently live in and for that I thank you.

  • @benjaminread5287
    @benjaminread5287 3 года назад +61

    It's really interesting to think how the art world might have turned out if Japan hadn't been so isolated. Great video btw!

    • @GreatArtExplained
      @GreatArtExplained  3 года назад +6

      Thanks 🙏

    • @nathanfernandez5143
      @nathanfernandez5143 3 года назад +3

      I'd wager that the isolation improves the interest and demand for Japanese art. We may examine how the mass symbols produced in American art through the lens of artists such as Warhol (see Campbell's Soup Cans and Shot Marilyns) diminish the perceived value of art to some degree and instead facilitate cheap reprography. What I gather is that Japan not only mass-produced art but by intertwining it with social stratification created a demand for high-quality art that would or may have become a talking piece and thus increasing abilities for social mobility. Do correct me if I am wrong, thank you.

    • @benjaminread5287
      @benjaminread5287 3 года назад

      @@nathanfernandez5143 yeah I certainly agree. I was more thinking how the actual art would have turned out differently across the world

    • @abrahamlincoln7912
      @abrahamlincoln7912 2 года назад

      You ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the wise?

  • @annakang856
    @annakang856 3 года назад +24

    wow its amazing how much history can be told from a painting. this is amazing, thank you for your work!! looking forward to more

  • @aniksamiurrahman6365
    @aniksamiurrahman6365 2 года назад +17

    Among all your videos, this felt the most inspiring. May be because of how "the great wave" was born during and portrays the crisis Hokusai's nation was facing.

  • @Torrana
    @Torrana 2 года назад +3

    I was happily surprised about how complete this video is for me, James! Loved the mix of old and contemporary images used to give a rich context to Hokusai's craft, his influences, and perhaps his decisions during production of the work. Well done!

  • @DesiCat789
    @DesiCat789 3 года назад +10

    I literally clapped at the end when you mentioned that connection!! ❤️ Waiting for th next video!

  • @egec2116
    @egec2116 3 года назад +14

    You are one of my new favorite channels keep up the good work.

  • @arkdtk
    @arkdtk 2 года назад +15

    I'm amazed by the detail and work that went into this video. You have gained a fan

  • @sydneyrivera2568
    @sydneyrivera2568 2 года назад +5

    I have been obsessed with wood block printing and japanese wood block prints for so long. I learned a lot of history from this video! Thank you! Would love more like this.

  • @ishityounot2677
    @ishityounot2677 3 года назад +37

    How i wait with eagerness for every new upload
    Please please never stop

  • @qwitchyy
    @qwitchyy 3 года назад +17

    Clicked immediately. Love your work!

  • @threedogsinatrenchcoat9968
    @threedogsinatrenchcoat9968 2 года назад +2

    I’ve always been interested in art history but never knew where to start. Your videos have really helped me better understand iconic masterpieces and the historical contexts behind them. Keep up the great work 💕

  • @simonespencer9758
    @simonespencer9758 2 года назад +1

    So grateful for this channel and the work behind making each video. Just thank you!!!

  • @Jessie-gs6rq
    @Jessie-gs6rq 3 года назад +21

    What a weird coincidence, I was JUST thinking of the Great Wave the other day. So nice to learn more about it

    • @WilfNelson1
      @WilfNelson1 3 года назад +2

      I just finished painting a version in oils the other day so I'm definitely feel coincidence

  • @borleyboo5613
    @borleyboo5613 3 года назад +60

    I’ve never been a fan of Japanese or Chinese art, but ‘The Great Wave’ is a very powerful painting and I love it.
    The wave itself looks extremely menacing, almost like a giant entity and as though it has life and thought.
    Brilliant.

  • @krister6160
    @krister6160 2 года назад +1

    I love how RUclips randomly puts videos like this on my feed. Excellent research done! Inspiring, enlightening, and truly educational. Thank you for making this for free!

  • @littlestudiolakes6700
    @littlestudiolakes6700 2 года назад

    Clearly explained and well illustrated. I loved that you included live video of the process of carving and printing the wood blocks as well as the background history and ideas. Inspiring. Thank you.

  • @thuhuong8838
    @thuhuong8838 3 года назад +52

    Yeah i love this channel. I hope you can do some of Edward Hopper next, especially in the pandemic and the world just become more isolated from each other.
    But that can be later because i love Van Gogh so much

    • @GreatArtExplained
      @GreatArtExplained  3 года назад +7

      Oh I like that angle! Thanks

    • @coachhousechambers2047
      @coachhousechambers2047 3 года назад +3

      Hopper was also a big influence on cinematography and production design. You especially notice that in Bladerunner.

    • @thuhuong8838
      @thuhuong8838 3 года назад

      @@coachhousechambers2047 the man is a genius inspired other genius. Noir flim, Hitchcock, David Lynch, this guy list is enormous

    • @tarren452
      @tarren452 3 года назад

      I definitely second that - I love Hopper and did a few projects on him when I was at school but I barely remember any of it 😅 would love him to be covered on this channel!

    • @simonestreeter1518
      @simonestreeter1518 2 года назад

      And he did. And it was brilliant. Thanks for suggesting it.

  • @Eliza-xd5ck
    @Eliza-xd5ck 3 года назад +13

    These videos change the way I see and think about these and other paintings, I learn so much from watching them! Thanks for the great content

  • @GreatArtExplained
    @GreatArtExplained  2 года назад +246

    Please leave a comment (even a short one) and "like" the video. It really helps promote the channel on RUclips. I appreciate it! James

    • @Kiyoone
      @Kiyoone 2 года назад +4

      incredible fine art that was "printed"... and all of that is too the origin of manga and anime...
      :)

    • @jazzman2516
      @jazzman2516 2 года назад +2

      With pleasure! I’m a musician but this channel is helping me draw parallels between the art form and painting. I actually love learning about culture and history around paintings now.

    • @ixlnxs
      @ixlnxs 2 года назад +3

      Thanks for the lovely video! One thing though: I'm stunned you mention Van Gogh but not Monet, who was influenced by Hokusai (and Japonism in general) more than anyone else in his day.

    • @agnesegcore735
      @agnesegcore735 2 года назад

      @@Kiyoone qqq11qqqq1qqqq1

    • @QueenBee-gx4rp
      @QueenBee-gx4rp 2 года назад +2

      So well done: an image we are all so familiar with, yet we know so little about.

  • @bluntblade4815
    @bluntblade4815 2 года назад +3

    I've known it's a masterpiece and it's awesome, but never know why it is so great. I might never have had a chance to acknowledge these artworks until I, fortunately, found this channel. Thank you for sharing these precious pieces of stuff. The world needs art and beauty, especially now, during this devastating pandemic. And the people need art desperately to heal and find the right direction back to trace. Your work is honorable and it means a lot.

  • @arunkhanna2496
    @arunkhanna2496 3 года назад +10

    One of my favorite works of art since I was a kid and first was shown it on a slide projector in one of my English classes. This is a FABULOUS video. I appreciate seeing all the other works featured here, as well as the history. I always remember history so much more when viewed through the lens of art...it serves as an “interest anchor”!

  • @ambero8726
    @ambero8726 3 года назад +11

    Wonderful work. Thank you for the time you are sharing with us to produce these. My local art school has closed, in short because of the virus. So these are like my little slice of art history class and I'm so thankful for it. Know that your efforts are seen and are inspiring people who are excited to keep learning with you. Catch you on the next one ☕

  • @katjajanackovic6280
    @katjajanackovic6280 2 года назад +4

    Thank you for creating these amaizing videos. Don't ever stop please! It is like having a great art teacher that I always wanted but never had....until now:))

  • @iOlllie
    @iOlllie 2 года назад +3

    I cannot thank you enough for your channel. You make art interesting. Your videos are educational, full of insight and has a high level of attention to details. Also, I love your videos production value.

  • @Gabecarr20
    @Gabecarr20 3 года назад +6

    Seriously one of my favorite youtube channels. What a gem

  • @heatherrobertson6110
    @heatherrobertson6110 3 года назад +8

    Thank you for showing the printing process - I've seen it before but I never tire of seeing craftsmen at work. I also enjoyed the animation at the beginning of the video - very nifty! And, as ever, a great explanation of the artwork. Thank you.

  • @sueandre7149
    @sueandre7149 2 года назад +2

    Beautifully explained video of Hokasi' work, the history of 200 years of isolation. I have always loved the woodblocks and the process.

  • @melancholyman369
    @melancholyman369 2 года назад +11

    It blows me away with how meticulous and nuanced you had to be to print paper back in the day. It's amazing how unique everything feels in the production process.

  • @tianabhada4892
    @tianabhada4892 3 года назад +4

    I'm so grateful for your work to produce this series. I learned a lot from this video - not just about the painting but about Japan's history and culture in general. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge in such a high quality format!

  • @mkaczmarcik
    @mkaczmarcik 3 года назад +3

    What a wonderful channel! I’ve been working in my studio all afternoon listening to your videos. Please keep making these!

  • @timyorke4465
    @timyorke4465 2 года назад +5

    I’m not an “arty” person but I love your videos after discovering them today. The “Nighthawks” one came up in my recommendations, absolutely fascinating, engaging and meticulously researched

  • @redelfshotthefood8213
    @redelfshotthefood8213 Год назад +2

    This image has haunted me for years. I instantly fell in love with it on seeing it. It is wonderful to know more about it. Thank you.

  • @jashcake
    @jashcake 3 года назад +7

    This channel deserves more love!! Can't believe I found this only today.

  • @samanvitapradhan
    @samanvitapradhan 3 года назад +4

    Your channel is the reason I believe that RUclips algorithm still works! This is marvellous!

  • @manfredgahr4748
    @manfredgahr4748 2 года назад +5

    Being an amateur painter I really enjoy your videos very much. So much to learn and discover! I thought "The Great Wave" was a piece of modern art. What a surprise!
    I have still 7 years to go before "the real stuff" that's worth bothering should come out of my paintbrush. So let's get going ;-) Thank you for your videos!

  • @athannos
    @athannos 2 года назад +2

    Was amazed to learn that this painting i have seen so many times online is an old classic, marvelous.

  • @otusthenocturnal187
    @otusthenocturnal187 3 года назад +4

    I've been immersed in everything Japan for a handful of months now, and I am delighted to say this is the first video in your channel I watched (jumped into the one about The Raft of the Medusa immediately afterwards, and saw there's so much more I am keen to watch). I knew quite a few things about the Great Wave off Kanagawa, but I also learned so much more, especially about the artist and the process of woodblock printing.
    I subscribed immediately and will definitely be coming back for more! Your work is flawless, and the classical music makes things even better 💜

  • @adityatiwari4698
    @adityatiwari4698 2 года назад +7

    I always loved art but wanted to read them and understand stories behind them.
    Your channel was made for me and my likes.
    Thank You very much for your work 🙏

  • @mr.ramjangles5165
    @mr.ramjangles5165 2 года назад +1

    Always admired the flow in this painting! I am thankful for my old art teacher years ago who showed & discussed all of these paintings on an old slide projector! 🙂🎨👍🏻

  • @annika7310
    @annika7310 Год назад +10

    I really really like your videos. The editing is so good and the content so well explained with a nice voice. I recommended this channel to soo many people already, even to those who don’t understand English well 😅

  • @ritab5153
    @ritab5153 2 года назад +3

    WOW. That was amazing. The cutting of the woodblocks, making of paper, and the layering of colors IS astounding. The close-ups. Thank you so much for this....can't WAIT to get to Starry Night....my favorite painting of all time and i was lucky enough to see it in person. i was so surprised at how small it was. All of that power and color and emotion in that little frame was awesome.

  • @ARTWORKALLOEKAKI
    @ARTWORKALLOEKAKI 2 года назад +6

    Thank you very much. From Japan🇯🇵
    The charm of Ukiyo-e was discovered by people overseas.

  • @boatymsboatface3929
    @boatymsboatface3929 2 года назад +1

    I’m just blown away by all the wonderful images and info in these vids- thank you!

  • @Yobo77
    @Yobo77 2 года назад +1

    Absolutely fascinating. Very happy to stumble upon your channel. Thanks so much!

  • @desertasmr5804
    @desertasmr5804 3 года назад +217

    "Japan's self imposed isolation came to an end when a flotilla of fully armed ships sailed uninvited into Tokyo Harbor on behalf of the US government and demanded that the Japanese begin to trade with the US"
    So bringing "freedom" to countries is an old American habit apparently ..
    Great video as usual! Keep up the good work :)

    • @MsSimpleMovies
      @MsSimpleMovies 3 года назад +36

      My husband, a big history buff, says capitalism always needs new markets. If a country is refusing access, a pretext for enforcing open entry into its market will be given to the American public.

    • @dayangmarikit6860
      @dayangmarikit6860 3 года назад +22

      This also happened to Siam/Thailand as well... they imposed self-isolation for 150 years but the British forced them to open.

    • @desertasmr5804
      @desertasmr5804 3 года назад +5

      @@MsSimpleMovies what your husband is saying makes perfect sense !

    • @desertasmr5804
      @desertasmr5804 3 года назад +6

      @@dayangmarikit6860 sadly the same story repeats itself all around the world

    • @phillipjones2278
      @phillipjones2278 2 года назад +22

      To be fair, the Tokugawa Shogunate massacred countless foreigners and almost all religious or political dissidents. It’s not as simple as good and bad guys.

  • @sonalslodha
    @sonalslodha 2 года назад +6

    Love love love the way of explanation. Very comprehensive and clear!

  • @andyf8351
    @andyf8351 2 года назад +1

    So happy I came across this channel! Thank you for creating these amazing videos!!!

  • @aslinur4
    @aslinur4 2 года назад +1

    Truly loving them!! Thank you millions from the bottom of my heart!