Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) is one of the most famous Japanese artists in history, thanks largely to his instantly recognizable print known familiarly as The Great Wave. Hokusai: Waves of Inspiration features roughly 300 works of art, including works from the artist’s own expansive and versatile career as well as hundreds of objects by the generations of artists he inspired.

Covering a breadth of subjects — including landscapes, still life, and supernatural folklore — rendered in media as diverse as woodblock prints, manga, and LEGO®, Waves of Inspiration traces Hokusai’s artistry to unexpected ends and shows how he defined, reinvented, and elevated every art form he engaged with.

Organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Generous support in Kansas City provided by: Paul DeBruce and Linda Woodsmall-DeBruce, Shirley Barnett Helzberg, Sara and Bill Morgan, Susan Chambers, Nancy and Rick Green, Neil Karbank and Gretchen Calhoun, and JE Dunn Construction.

Image Caption: Katsushika Hokusai (Japanese, 1760–1849). Under the Wave off Kanagawa (Kanagawa‑oki nami‑ura), also known as the Great Wave, from the series Thirty‑six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei), about 1830–1831, Tenpō Era (1830–1844). Woodblock print (nishiki‑e), ink and color on paper, 9 15/16 × 14 13/16 inches. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, William Sturgis Bigelow Collection. Photograph © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from Sep 21, 2024 to Jan 5, 2025 and happens every:
Mondays: 10:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: CDT
Thursdays: 10:00am - 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Fridays: 10:00am - 9:00pm Timezone: CDT
Saturdays: 10:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: CDT
Sundays: 10:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: CDT