An exhibition featuring one of the world’s most “iconic” artworks has opened in York.
The Great Wave off Kanagawa, by Katsushika Hokusai, forms the central part of York Art Gallery’s new display exploring the history and evolution of Japanese woodblock printing.
Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print will run from February 27 to August 30.
Alongside the famous print, currently on loan from Maidstone Museum in Kent, the exhibition covers 300 years of printmaking and features over 100 traditional Japanese crafts.
Also on display is samurai armour on loan from the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds.
Eleanor Jackson, curator of fine art at York Art Gallery, said that it was “really special” to have the Great Wave in York.
“It’s such an iconic image,” she said. “It’s one of the kinds of artwork that everyone knows and recognises, but very few people have seen an original.
“I think six of these [original prints] are in the UK.”
The image, which depicts small fishing boats about to be swallowed by a huge wave, is one of the most recognisable artworks in the world.
“It’s fantastic to bring art of this quality to the people of York – to be able to bring exhibitions that are of the quality of a national gallery to a regional gallery,” Eleanor said.
She added that it is important to “make art accessible”.
Leon Dumont, from York Creatives, said that it is “really powerful for people in the creative industry to have access to this type of exhibition. […] It’s a real privilege for York.
“I think it’s brilliant for people based in York to be able to be able to see this kind of work without having to travel.”
Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print is included with general admission to the gallery. For tickets, visit the York Art Gallery website.