Hokusai Wave Silk Habotai Scarf

DESIGNER'S NOTES

This Fox & Chave silk habotai scarf has a design after one of the most famous images from the Japanese Edo period, The Great Wave Off Kanagawa by the ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai 1760-1849.

Created around 1831 as part of Hokusai's series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, the original woodblock print captures a powerful and dramatic moment at sea.

The central element of the artwork is the towering, frothy wave, often interpreted as a tsunami, though it is likely a large rogue wave, which dominates the composition with its dynamic, almost claw-like crest curling down toward the viewer. 

Beneath the wave are three long, slender boats, filled with oarsmen struggling to navigate the tumultuous waters. The boats are dwarfed by the immense wave, emphasising the power of nature and the vulnerability of humans.

 In the background, the iconic Mount Fuji rises serenely, appearing small and distant. 

COLOURS

STYLING

A Fox & Chave habotai silk scarf can be worn with the classic knot style or a pussycat bow. You can even create a shawl effect by knotting two scarves together behind your neck and allowing them to drape over your shoulders. More scarf styling ideas are available in this wonderful How to Tie a Scarf book.