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Inside the Masterpiece

Inside the Masterpiece

Katsushika Hokusai – The Great Wave off Kanagawa: Between the Fury of the Waves and the Silence of the Mountain

Jun 23, 2026 · 10m

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About this episode

A towering wall of water, churning foam shaped like tiny claws, and a sacred, unshakeable mountain resting quietly in the distance. Katsushika Hokusai’s The Great Wave is arguably the most iconic image in global art history—yet beneath its fierce, brilliant blue surface lies a deep sea of secrets. In this episode, we plunge beneath the crest of this timeless masterpiece. We uncover the mystery of a priceless color smuggled into a fiercely isolated empire, explore the frantic world of historical transport boats, and meet the eccentric master who didn't even think his art mattered until he turned seventy. Discover how a woodblock print that originally cost no more than a simple bowl of…