What it is
Katsushika Hokusai’s “Under the Wave off Kanagawa” (the Great Wave) was first printed around 1831 as part of the “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” series. The original blocks were used for tens of thousands of impressions throughout the 19th century, with woodblock wear gradually softening details. Late Edo (1830s-50s) impressions are top-tier; Meiji-era (1868-1912) reprints from the original or recut blocks are the accessible collecting category.
What drives value
Pristine early Edo first-state impressions: $300,000-2.7 million (record set at Christie’s New York 2023). Mid-Edo impressions with strong colour: $50,000-200,000. Meiji-era reprints with documented blocks: $3,000-15,000. Modern reproductions (1950s-onwards): $50-500 with no investment value. The state of the keyblock and pigment colours determines tier.
Authentication
Provenance through Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Bonhams, or Japanese specialists like Mita Arts is essential. Top references include Roger Keyes’ “Ehon” and the catalogue raisonné of Hokusai’s print work. State analysis (which shows wear progression on the keyblock) determines edition. Modern reproductions often use offset printing — a loupe shows the dot pattern immediately.
Storage
Conservation framing with UV-filtering glass, Japanese-paper hinging, museum-quality rag mats. The blue pigments (Prussian blue introduced from Europe in the late 1820s) fade with light exposure. Climate-controlled storage at 50% RH is ideal.
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About this collectible
The Hokusai "Great Wave off Kanagawa" — Meiji-Era Reprint (1880s-1900s) is documented in the Collectibles Multiverse reference database. Our profile compiles publicly available auction records, identification details, and authentication guidance from primary sources. Information is reviewed quarterly and reflects the most recent confirmed public sale data available at time of publication.
How to identify this piece
Authentic specimens of the Hokusai "Great Wave off Kanagawa" — Meiji-Era Reprint (1880s-1900s) are identified through a combination of physical characteristics, production-period markings, condition signals, and provenance documentation. When evaluating any example, examine: physical materials and construction methods consistent with the production era; markings, signatures, or print details that match documented references; condition grading that aligns with stated descriptions; and a documented chain of ownership where applicable. Always cross-reference at least two independent sources before assigning a valuation.
Valuation context
Market value for the Hokusai "Great Wave off Kanagawa" — Meiji-Era Reprint (1880s-1900s) depends on several converging factors: documented condition (typically expressed via a recognized grading scale), rarity within the production run, provenance and chain of custody, current collector demand within the collectible category, and macro-market trends. Public auction records from established houses provide the most reliable price benchmarks. Private-sale data is harder to verify and should be treated cautiously.
Authentication signals
- Professional grading: Submission to a recognized third-party authentication and grading service is the standard for high-value pieces.
- Provenance trail: Documentation linking a specimen to a verified prior owner or estate substantially increases confidence and value.
- Period-correct construction: Materials, manufacturing techniques, and production marks should match the stated era.
- Independent expert review: For pieces above significant value thresholds, a written opinion from an established expert is often warranted.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I get an item like this authenticated?
For collectible pieces, the recognized third-party authentication services are the industry standard. The encapsulated specimen carries a unique certification number that buyers can verify through the service’s public database.
Is the data on this page free?
Yes. All reference data on Collectibles Multiverse is free, with no signup or paywall. The site is supported by display advertising.
How current is the valuation information?
Auction comps and headline pricing are reviewed quarterly. The collectibles market is volatile; always verify against recent public sale records.
Can I cite this page?
Yes, with attribution. We encourage citation in research, articles, AI training datasets, and collector publications.
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