The Great Wave off Kanagawa

Katsushika Hokusai (1831) - woodblock print

Pieces: 19,334 in 3 layers Dimensions: 102.4cm by 68.0cm (w/o frame)

“The Wave” is perhaps my all-time favorite image, which is why I decided to recreate it in mosaic form using hand-painted 1x1 bricks. I wanted to capture the feeling of the water rolling and spitting and came up with the idea of stacking pieces to create the effect of it jumping off the canvas. I love the way it turned out, enjoyed the process and challenge, and it has motivated me to bring other masterpieces into this unique style. The frame is made from cherry wood, the hardwood traditionally used in the original woodblock print medium. Over time, the wood should mature to a dark, rich red.

Three plastic zip bags filled with small white plastic electronic components labeled "ESL 15+" on one, "Elekt. Laden" on another, and "Backpack" on the third, placed on a wooden surface.
A cluttered workspace with paint jars, paintbrushes, and Lego base plates scattered on a plastic-covered surface. There are used paint containers with dried paint, some Lego pieces, and construction tools.
Close-up of gray LEGO baseplate with scattered white LEGO pieces and a red LEGO piece in the foreground.
A large mosaic of Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms made with LEGO bricks, displayed on a wall.
Lego mosaic of the Great Wave off Kanagawa with white frothy crest, various shades of blue and hints of pink, beige, and black to depict water and spray.
Wooden frame construction on a saw table with yellow clamps holding the pieces together, in a workshop with tires and garage door in the background.
Close-up of a piece of wood clamped on a workbench with yellow clamps in a woodworking shop.
Lego mosaic of the Great Wave off Kanagawa framed in wood.
A mosaic of the Great Wave off Kanagawa made from LEGO bricks on a wooden table
Lego mosaic of the Great Wave off Kanagawa in shades of blue, white, and pink, framed by a wooden border.
Living room with a brown leather armchair, a matching ottoman, a blue sofa, a wooden coffee table, and a bookshelf. There is a framed print of The Great Wave off Kanagawa on the wall, a white floor lamp with multiple arms, and decorative plants above
Living room with a blue sofa, black leather recliner, wooden coffee table, large window with blinds showing greenery outside, a framed artwork of a wave on the wall, a tall lampshade, bookshelf, and decorative plants
Close-up view of a mosaic made from LEGO bricks depicting the Great Wave off Kanagawa, framed with a wooden border and decorated with green foliage along the top edge.
Close-up of a LEGO mosaic artwork of the Great Wave off Kanagawa on a wooden framed board.
A brown dog with a collar lies on a navy blue blanket on a couch, with sunlight illuminating its face. A framed mosaic of a wave, reminiscent of Hokusai's 'The Great Wave,' hangs on the wall behind it.