Taiwan's National Palace Museum to Showcase Hokusai's Iconic "Great Wave"

A Glimpse into Edo-Period Japan at the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum

Taipei, Taiwan – Art enthusiasts and history buffs in Taiwan are in for a treat! The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum is preparing to unveil a stunning exhibition featuring the renowned woodblock print, "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Katsushika Hokusai.

The iconic artwork, on loan from the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, will be on display for a month, from May 30th to June 29th, as part of a larger three-month exhibition entitled "The Beauty of the Floating World in Edo."

According to Chu Lung-hsing (朱龍興), Associate Researcher and Curator of the exhibition, the print perfectly captures the drama of towering waves seemingly engulfing fishing boats, all set against the serene backdrop of Mount Fuji. This juxtaposition creates a remarkable "harmony between movement and stillness," making it one of the most recognizable images in Japanese art.

The cultural impact of this piece, created between 1831 and 1833, is undeniable, as evidenced by its selection as the main image for the new 1,000-yen banknote issued by the Bank of Japan in 2024, Chu noted.

The exhibition promises a captivating journey into the "vibrant delights of Edo-period urban life," featuring 218 works, including exquisite folding screens, hand scrolls, prints, and illustrated books. These treasures come from esteemed Japanese institutions such as the Idemitsu Museum of Arts, Waseda University Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum, and the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, among others.

Organized into four thematic sections: "River Prosperity," "Urban Times," "Travel Fun," and "Cross-cultural Exchange," the exhibition will offer a constantly evolving experience, with works rotating between May 30th and August 31st, ensuring a fresh perspective for returning visitors, Chu explained.

The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, located in Taibao City, Chiayi County, welcomes visitors of all nationalities with regular admission priced at NT$150, according to the museum's website.