Explore the global economy in 19th century with Hokusai's iconic print, The Great Wave. Learn about Japan's selective engagement with the world and the impact of Commodore Perry's intervention. Discover the artistic significance of Hokusai's artwork and its influence on cultural exchange.
Japan's shift from isolation to global engagement in the 19th century due to changing economic landscapes.
Hokusai's 'The Great Wave' reflects Japan's embrace of foreign innovations and a blend of European and Japanese influences.
Deep dives
Japan's Isolation from the World
Japan had isolated itself from the world for almost 200 years by the early 19th century, closing most of its ports and restricting interactions with foreigners. This isolation was disrupted in 1853 when American gunships compelled Japan to open its harbors to international trade. The country's closed-door policy had suited it well, but the changing global landscape led to confrontations and a reevaluation of its economic relationships with other nations.
The Great Wave and European Influence
Hokusai's iconic woodblock print 'The Great Wave' symbolized more than just a picturesque scene of a wave and Mount Fuji. The artwork used elements of European materials and technology, like Prussian blue dye, showcasing Japan's confidence in adopting foreign innovations. The print's popularity and widespread reproduction reflect a blend of European influence with Japanese aesthetics, highlighting a significant shift in Japan's engagement with the outside world.
Impact of Commodore Perry's Arrival
Commodore Perry's arrival in Japan in 1853 signaled the end of Japan's isolation and forced the country to embrace international trade and new economic models. The Japanese reluctance to engage with foreign powers gave way to a more active participation in global markets, leading to significant transformations in Japan's economic and cultural landscape. The aftermath of this forced opening to trade marked a period of rapid change and influence exchange between Japan and the Western world.
The history of humanity - as told through one hundred objects from the British Museum in London - is once again in Japan. This week Neil MacGregor, the museum's director, is looking at the global economy in the 19th century - at mass production and mass consumption.
Today he is with an image that rapidly made its way around the world - Hokusai's print, The Great Wave, the now familiar seascape with a snow topped Mount Fuji in the background that became emblematic of the newly emerging Japan. Neil explores the conditions that produced this famous image - with help from Japan watchers Donald Keene and Christine Guth.
Producer: Anthony Denselow
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode