The Great Wave auction during Asia Week New York in September 2024 will will be avidly followed by collectors. Christie’s and Bonhams will each offer a rare print of The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai, one of the most recognizable images in Japanese art. These auctions are expected to draw significant attention from art enthusiasts eager to own a piece of this iconic artwork. We could potentially see record-setting sale prices.
The Iconic Wave: Cultural Significance and Popularity
The Great Wave off Kanagawa is more than just a famous artwork; it has become a global cultural phenomenon. Created in the early 1830s as part of Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji series, this woodblock print is renowned for its dynamic composition. A massive wave towers over small boats, with Mount Fuji visible in the background. The image captures both nature’s overwhelming power and the human spirit’s resilience, making it resonate with audiences globally.
The design of The Great Wave has transcended its origins, finding its way into various aspects of popular culture. For instance, LEGO released a Great Wave set, allowing enthusiasts to recreate the famous artwork in brick form. Similarly, Converse produced a line of shoes featuring the iconic wave, bringing this masterpiece into the realm of fashion. These modern adaptations of The Great Wave underscore its enduring appeal and the way it continues to inspire creativity across different mediums and generations.
Factors Influencing the Print’s Value
Several factors influence the value of The Great Wave off Kanagawa prints, making them highly sought after in the auction market. The foremost factor is the condition of the print. Collectors prioritize prints free from visible “in-painting,” as restorations can detract from the work’s authenticity. Prints that maintain their original, vibrant colors also hold greater value. This condition preserves a more accurate representation of Hokusai’s artistic vision.
In Japanese, this artwork is known as Kanagawa oki nami ura, or Under the Swell of the Great Wave off Kanagawa.
Authentic Impressions, Condition and Rarity
Capucine Korenberg, a researcher at The British Museum, has estimated that up to 8,000 impressions of The Great Wave may have been produced, reflecting its widespread popularity. So far, scholars have identified 113 authentic impressions of The Great Wave in museums, galleries, and private collections worldwide. While these impressions are similar, each contains unique variations that reveal details about the woodblock printing process and the condition of the woodblocks over time. Slight shifts in color or changes in line sharpness offer important insights for collectors and curators.
The rarity and historical significance of the print are key factors influencing its value. Prints that remain in their “innocent” state, meaning they haven’t been altered or reprinted, are especially prized. These factors, along with the print’s condition, heavily impact its final auction price.
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.
The Great Wave Auction Estimates and Details
The auction of two high-quality editions of Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa will be a major highlight of Asia Week New York 2024. Christie’s will auction one print on 17 September, while Bonhams will follow with another on 18 September. This presents a rare chance for buyers to acquire one of the most iconic images in art history.
Christie’s Estimate
At Christie’s, the print of The Great Wave off Kanagawa is estimated to sell for between $500,000 and $700,000. This estimate, set by the auction house, is intentionally conservative to attract a wide range of bidders. Takaaki Murakami, Vice President and Head of the Japanese Art Department at Christie’s, notes that many new clients are actively seeking Great Wave prints in the current market.
Bonhams Estimate
Bonhams has set a higher estimate for their print, ranging from $700,000 to $900,000. They describe their print as “an outstanding print of the globally celebrated image,” reflecting its excellent condition and historical importance. This higher estimate underscores the print’s pristine state, making it an especially desirable piece for collectors who prioritize authenticity and preservation.
The Great Wave is more than just a beautiful print; it’s a symbol of the power and beauty of nature, and it holds a special place in the hearts of ukiyo-e enthusiasts. The fact that two versions of this masterpiece are up for auction during the same event is a testament to the caliber of Asia Week New York.
Other Notable Pieces in the Auctions
In addition to The Great Wave off Kanagawa, both Christie’s and Bonhams are offering other significant works of Japanese art. At Christie’s, a rare Amitabha triad sculpture from the Kamakura period is expected to draw considerable interest. Another highlight is an ink and color on silk painting attributed to Kano Tan’yu, a key figure in the development of the Kano school.
Bonhams will feature an Edo period lacquer writing box attributed to Ogata Korin, a master of the Rinpa school, known for its intricate craftsmanship and elegant designs. Additionally, Bonhams will auction a well-preserved Noh mask from the Muromachi period, showcasing Japan’s rich theatrical tradition.
The Role of Asia Week New York
Asia Week New York is a major event in the global art calendar, celebrated for its rich presentations of diverse Asian art. Collectors see it as a prime opportunity to acquire rare pieces. For galleries, it provides a chance to display some of the finest examples of Asian art. Beyond the sales, the event immerses participants in the vibrant cultures of China, Japan, India, Korea, and Southeast Asia.
The inclusion of Hokusai’s The Great Wave off Kanagawa in both Christie’s and Bonhams’ auctions underscores the lasting importance of Japanese art in the global market. These sales will highlight not only the legacy of ukiyo-e but also the broader cultural contributions of Asian artists.
Auctions of an Icon
Collectors of Japanese art will find the upcoming auctions at Christie’s and Bonhams during Asian Art Week significant. The rare opportunity to acquire The Great Wave off Kanagawa, a masterpiece of ukiyo-e and one of the most recognizable images in art history, attracts intense interest. Competitive estimates reflect the increasing demand for works by Katsushika Hokusai. As the auctions near, collectors’ anticipation grows, and these sales will likely set new benchmarks in the market for Japanese art.
Read more:
- Why I Love This Japanese Blue Whale Ramen Bowl
- The Art of Kunihiko Nohara: A Journey into the Surreal
- Why This Book is the Ultimate Guide to Hiroshige’s Prints
- Yayoi Kusama’s Latest Masterpiece: Infinite Accumulation
- 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.
0 Comments