Masculine wave 

Katsushika Hokusai created ‘Masculine Wave’ as a woodblock print, a technique that democratized art in Japan. Here, we can see how Hokusai's work tapped into the cultural significance of the sea in Japan, both as a source of sustenance and a symbol of nature's power. The wave itself becomes a metaphor for the overwhelming forces that shape human experience. The image’s reproduction in such quantities speaks to the rise of a merchant class with leisure time and disposable income. It also reflects the changing dynamics within the art world itself, where artists like Hokusai challenged established norms by embracing popular themes. Looking at ‘Masculine Wave’ through a social lens invites us to consider the broader context in which it was made and consumed. We need to consider archival material, such as trade records, to fully appreciate the currents of influence that shaped its creation and reception.