This March, Christie’s New York will host a remarkable event during Asia Week: the Japanese and Korean Art live auction on March 18, 2025, at 10 a.m. EDT. Among the standout pieces is Katsushika Hokusai’s iconic woodblock print, “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” estimated between $400,000 and $600,000. This masterpiece, renowned for its dynamic portrayal of a towering wave, has profoundly influenced art enthusiasts worldwide. Here are the key highlights for the Christie’s Asia Week Auction 2025.
Asia Week New York 2025
Asia Week New York 2025, scheduled from March 13 to 21, is an annual celebration of Asian art and culture. This event brings together top-tier Asian art specialists, major auction houses, and esteemed museums across the metropolitan area. Participants can immerse themselves in a series of exhibitions, auctions, and special events, highlighting the rich tapestry of Asian artistic traditions.
The Great Wave at Auction
One of the most iconic woodblock prints in art history, Katsushika Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa is a highlight of Christie’s upcoming Japanese and Korean Art auction on March 18, 2025. This particular edition, published by Nishimuraya Yohachi (Eijudo), measures 9 ¾ x 15 inches (24.8 x 38.1 cm.) and retains its original signature, Hokusai aratame Iitsu hitsu.
With an estimated value between $400,000 and $600,000, this print has a distinguished provenance, having been previously held by Kotobuki, Japanese Prints & Books in Munich before being acquired by the current owner’s father in the early 2000s. This sale presents collectors with a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional example of Hokusai’s most famous masterpiece, a work that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
The Most Expensive Great Wave Sold at Auction
It’s worth noting that the market for ukiyo-e, the genre to which The Great Wave belongs, has seen significant growth in recent years. A near-pristine edition of The Great Wave became the most expensive ukiyo-e artwork sold at auction fetching $2.76 million at Christie’s in March 2023. This sale, which set a new record for the genre, reflects the increasing demand for high-quality Japanese prints among collectors.
Another auction saw a complete set of Hokusai’s Thirty Six Views of Mount Fuji Sell for $3.5 Million which included an edition of The Great Wave.
Here are 12 Things to Know About The Great Wave off Kanagawa and an article Mapping the Evolution of The Great Wave.
Other Hokusai Works
In addition to the prominent “Great Wave,” the auction features another edition of this celebrated print. This particular version, displaying signs of wear with subdued colors and fading, offers collectors an opportunity to acquire the piece at a more accessible estimate of $60,000 to $80,000. Such variations in condition provide a range of options for enthusiasts seeking to own a piece of art history.
Another highlight is Hokusai’s “Red Fuji,” officially titled “Fine Wind, Clear Weather.” This print captures Mount Fuji bathed in a reddish hue under a clear sky, symbolizing serenity and natural beauty. The artwork is estimated between $300,000 and $500,000, reflecting its esteemed status among Hokusai’s “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” series.
The auction also showcases Hokusai’s “Yoshitsune’s Horse-washing Falls at Yoshino in Yamato Province,” from “A Tour of Waterfalls in Various Provinces” estimated at $40,000 to $60,000. This piece illustrates the legendary samurai Minamoto no Yoshitsune washing his horse beneath a cascading waterfall, exemplifying Hokusai’s skill in blending narrative with natural scenery.
Artwork by Utagawa Hiroshige
Utagawa Hiroshige‘s works are well-represented, particularly prints from his “One Hundred Views of Edo” series. “Plum Estate, Kameido,” valued between $40,000 and $60,000, depicts the famed plum blossoms of Kameido, offering a glimpse into Edo-period landscapes and the cultural significance of seasonal transitions.
A Substantial Collection of Hasui’s Prints
Modern woodblock art enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of over 38 prints by Kawase Hasui. His renowned “Clearing after a Snowfall on Mount Fuji, Tagonoura Beach,” estimated at $4,000 to $6,000, portrays the tranquil aftermath of snowfall with Mount Fuji majestically in the background. Another notable work, “Zojoji Temple, Shiba,” valued between $10,000 and $20,000, captures the serene temple grounds enveloped in winter’s embrace, highlighting Hasui’s mastery in depicting seasonal moods.
Work by Kamisaka Sekka
Collectors will also find a complete set of “Flowers of a Hundred Worlds” by Kamisaka Sekka, estimated at $12,000 to $22,000. This compilation showcases a fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design elements, reflecting Sekka’s innovative approach to art and his influence on subsequent generations.
Beyond Woodblock Prints at Christie’s Asia Week Auction 2025
Beyond woodblock prints, the auction presents a diverse array of art forms. An exceptional highlight is the Important White Porcelain Moon Jar from the Joseon Dynasty (18th century), with an estimated value of $1.8 to $2.5 million. This exquisite piece exemplifies the minimalist beauty and craftsmanship of Korean ceramics, characterized by its perfectly rounded form and subtle glaze.
The sale also features an important Heian period Dainichi Nyorai sculpture, a fine selection of Goryeo dynasty celadon from the David and Nayda Utterberg Collection, rare Joseon period porcelains, a beautiful painting by Ito Jakuchu, and a curated selection of lacquer works, metalworks, modern and contemporary art, sculptures, ceramics, and much more.
Viewing and Auction Details
For those interested in viewing these masterpieces prior to the auction, Christie’s will host public exhibitions from March 14 to 17, with daily hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on March 16 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours led by Robert D. Mowry, Christie’s senior consultant and the Alan J. Dworsky Curator of Chinese Art Emeritus at the Harvard Art Museums, are scheduled for March 14 and 17 at 11 a.m. EDT. These tours offer insights into the history and provenance of the featured works, enriching the viewing experience for attendees.
A Unique Time to Admire and Purchase Asian Art
As Asia Week New York approaches, this auction stands out as a must-attend event for collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts of Japanese and Korean art. The convergence of iconic masterpieces, such as Hokusai’s “The Great Wave,” alongside other significant artworks, offers a unique opportunity to engage with and acquire pieces that have shaped the artistic heritage of East Asia.
Read more:
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- What is the Significance of Peacocks in Japanese Art and Culture?
- What You Should Know About Uchiwa-e: Japanese Fan Art
- 11 Essential Tips to Transform Your Home with Art
- What You Should Know About Japanese Noren Curtains
At The Art of Zen we carry a selection of our own hand-crafted original Japanese art prints in the ukiyo-e and Japandi style. Some of our best selling work is Mount Fuji wall art and Japandi wall art.
Add some zen to your space with brilliant original art from the Art of Zen shop.
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