Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849)(after) - Feminine and Male Waves - (2)

- Katsushika Hokusai (after), "Male Wave" and "Feminine Wave". Two offset lithographs on heavy-weight textured matte paper (approx. 300gsm, refers to paper thickness/density).

- Stamp on verso.

- Embossed stamp.

- Borderless / full-bleed.

- Ready to frame. The pic in which the items appears framed is a simulated recreation for illustrative purposes only, the frame and other decorative elements shown in it are not included in the lot you are bidding on.

- Size of each: 42,5 x 42,5 cm.

- Condition: excellent. Never framed, never exposed.

- Feminine Wave and Male Wave by Katsushika Hokusai are two separate but closely related wave compositions that reflect the artist’s extraordinary ability to transform water into rhythm, movement and visual force. Each image captures one of the central themes of Japanese ukiyo-e: nature as something alive, elegant and overwhelming, where every curve, foam pattern and deep blue movement becomes part of a larger poetic vision.

These two works should be understood as individual compositions, each with its own visual character. Feminine Wave has a more delicate and flowing quality, while Male Wave appears darker, stronger and more dramatic. Together, they show Hokusai’s mastery of balance and contrast, softness and power, decorative precision and natural energy. This makes each print especially appealing for admirers of Japanese art, ukiyo-e prints, ocean imagery, blue wall decor, wave prints, Asian interiors and refined museum-inspired decoration.

The influence of Hokusai on Western art is enormous. His work inspired the development of Japonisme and had a deep impact on artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Gustav Klimt and Henri Matisse, who admired the clarity of line, flat colour and compositional boldness of Japanese prints. In the modern era, Hokusai’s visual language also resonates with the graphic strength found in Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Banksy, Shepard Fairey and Takashi Murakami, artists whose images share a similarly immediate and recognisable visual impact.

The appeal of these Hokusai wave images lies in their strong decorative rhythm and timeless modernity. Their blue tones, swirling forms and expressive movement make them ideal for contemporary interiors, minimalist spaces, coastal homes, creative studios, offices and collectors’ walls.

Within today’s collecting culture where fine art, vintage design, luxury names such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and Cartier, and iconic popular references such as Lego, Pokémon or Star Wars can coexist in carefully curated interiors Hokusai’s wave imagery remains one of the most recognisable and desirable symbols of artistic refinement.

Elegant and decorative, Feminine Wave and Male Wave capture the essence of Hokusai’s genius: movement, precision, balance and the transformation of nature into a universal visual icon.