Japanese Woodblock Prints at York Art Gallery

Chances are, you’ve seen it somewhere. A massive, claw-like wave, looking like it’s about to swallow a couple of tiny boats, with a perfect snow-capped mountain watching calmly from the background. It’s on posters, mugs, phone cases, and probably even on a pair of socks somewhere. But seeing a picture of it online is one thing; seeing the real deal is something else entirely. That very famous piece of art, ‘The Great Wave off Kanagawa’, is making its way to Yorkshire, and it’s bringing some friends.

The York Art Gallery is getting ready to host ‘Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print’, a huge new exhibition that promises a stunning display of Japanese art and culture. It’s a chance to see some truly iconic works up close, running from 27 February to 30 August 2026.

About a wave?

Okay, so let's talk about that wave. Created by the artist Katsushika Hokusai, 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa' is one of the most celebrated artworks in the world. It’s instantly recognisable. Think of it like the art world’s equivalent of a number-one hit song that everyone knows the words to. What makes it so special? Well, for one, it’s just brilliantly designed.

The power of the sea, the bravery of the fishermen, and the calm of Mount Fuji in the distance – it tells a whole story in one picture. This piece of art captures a moment that is both terrifying and beautiful. Seeing the actual Hokusai woodblock print in person allows you to see the incredible detail and skill that went into it. It’s a proper ‘wow’ moment. The exhibition, called Making Waves, is built around this incredible piece, but it’s just the starting point for a much bigger story about Japanese art.

More than just one picture

This is far from a one-artwork show. The ‘Making Waves’ exhibition is a groundbreaking exhibition featuring over 100 striking prints that tell the story of Japanese woodblock print history over 300 years. That’s a massive span of time, stretching all the way from the 17th century to the 21st. But what exactly is a woodblock print? Imagine carving a really detailed stamp out of a block of wood.

The artist would carve their design, then roll ink onto it and press it onto paper. Simple, right? Not quite. For a print with multiple colours, like many of these are, they needed to carve a separate block for every single colour and line them up perfectly. It’s an incredibly skillful and patient process, and the results are stunning. This exhibition is a brilliant journey through that history, showing how the art form changed over time. It’s a deep look into Japanese art, featuring a collection of celebrated artworks and iconic works that have shaped art and culture for centuries.

Meet the female samurai warriors

While the Great Wave might be the headliner, there are other treasures waiting to be discovered. One of the most exciting is a print that’s being put on public display for the very first time. It’s an extraordinary piece by an artist named Hashimoto Chikanobu. And what does it show? Something you might not expect: female samurai warriors.

These weren't just characters from legends; they were real protectors. The print depicts the formidable women who guarded the court ladies of Edo Castle (Edo is the old name for Tokyo). It’s a powerful image that turns the typical idea of samurai warriors on its head. How did it end up at the York Art Gallery? It was recently bought thanks to a grant from the Friends of York Art Gallery, a group dedicated to supporting the gallery. It’s a fantastic piece of history that offers a different perspective on the world of the samurai, and its debut public display is a massive event for the gallery and for anyone interested in this period of Japanese culture.

A look into Japanese art and culture

Ultimately, this whole exhibition is more than just a collection of pretty pictures. It’s a window into the history, stories, and culture of Japan. The collection of prints offers a view of life through the centuries, from dramatic landscapes and portraits of famous actors to scenes from ancient myths and legends. After a special press preview to give experts a first look, the gallery will open its doors for everyone to enjoy this stunning display.

The ‘Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print’ exhibition will be held at the York Art Gallery, right in Exhibition Square, from 27 February to 30 August 2026. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see a world-famous masterpiece, discover the story of the female samurai warriors, and get lost in 300 years of incredible Japanese art and culture. This collection of iconic works really showcases the beauty and skill of the woodblock print tradition.