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That's No Emoji, That's A Work Of Art

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Under the Wave off Kanagawa,” Katsushika Hokusai, about 1830–31 (MFA Boston)
“Under the Wave off Kanagawa,” also known as "The Great Wave," by Katsushika Hokusai, about 1830–31. (MFA Boston)

There’s a good chance you’ve seen "The Great Wave." The 19th century woodblock print by Japanese artist Hokusai depicts a towering blue ocean crest and it has been adored, co-opted and parodied by other artists and in ad campaigns for everything from blue jeans to beer.

"The Great Wave" is the star attraction in a new exhibition at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts. Andrea Shea from Here & Now contributor WBUR reports on the image’s enduring power.

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This segment aired on April 3, 2015.

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