Katsushika Hokusai
Reserve the Bösendorfer 214VC “Great Wave” from Classic Pianos in Denver
Only 16 of this handcrafted masterpiece are available worldwide
Inspired by the iconic Japanese woodblock print by Hokusai, the limited-edition Bösendorfer 214VC “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” is a breathtaking fusion of fine art and world-class piano craftsmanship.
Only 16 of these extraordinary instruments are being produced worldwide by Bösendorfer’s artisans in Austria, each bearing an individually numbered plaque, making this a truly rare acquisition for discerning buyers. This number pays tribute to the Kiku no gomon, the 16-petal chrysanthemum seal of the Japanese Imperial Court.
Whether you’re a collector, a passionate musician, or an admirer of timeless design, this Bösendorfer grand is a statement piece unlike any other — both visually and acoustically. Classic Pianos Denver is honored to offer this rare opportunity to place a custom order.
This is more than a piano — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a masterpiece that bridges cultures, generations, and the art of sound. Use the form below to inquire about availability, pricing, and how to begin your reservation.
Limited-edition Bösendorfer grand inspired by Japanese art
In this limited-edition model, Bösendorfer blends Japanese artistry with Viennese craftsmanship to create something truly timeless.
Handcrafted cabinetry brings Hokusai’s wave to life through meticulous marquetry and mother-of-pearl inlays, all set against a deep, ocean-blue high-gloss finish.
Like all Bösendorfer pianos, this model is built by hand in Austria — an heirloom creation that honors the past, elevates the present, and will inspire for generations to come.
Specifications for the Bösendorfer 214VC “The Great Wave”
Here are the key specifications for the limited-edition Bösendorfer 214VC “The Great Wave” grand piano:
- Length: 7’ (214 cm)
- Finish: High-gloss blue with handcrafted marquetry
- Design Theme: The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai
- Inlays: Mother-of-pearl and wood marquetry
- Soundboard: Austrian spruce tonewood
- Rim Construction: Multi-layered hard maple for lasting resonance
- Keys: Bösendorfer’s signature responsive action
- Limited Edition: Only 16 instruments worldwide
Homage to a unique Japanese masterpiece
This grand piano pays tribute to The Great Wave off Kanagawa, the iconic woodblock print by Hokusai. A cultural touchstone for nearly two centuries, the image captures the dynamic tension between nature and humanity — themes that resonate deeply in both visual art and music.
Bösendorfer carefully scaled up the artwork The Great Wave to the size of the piano lid, and transferred the motif to the underside of the lid using a special printing process. Continuing the colour theme, variants of Prussian blue decorate the inner rim of the piano and the upholstery of the piano bench.
The red of the cast iron frame and Hokusai’s signature on the music stand reflect the particular significance of the colour red in Japanese culture. Red symbolises the sun and is also seen as the colour of protection. It is often used for traditional Japanese gates, known as torii, to ensure the flow of positive energy. The torii, which consist of two posts and a double crossbar, stand in front of shrines and temples to represent the transition from the everyday to the spiritual world.
The interaction of the colors blue and red creates a dynamic tension, representative of the interplay between intensity and harmony, activity and calm.
Bösendorfer and Imperial origins
After the opening of Japan to the West in the middle of the 19th century, a Bösendorfer grand piano traveled from Austria to Japan, reaching the Japanese imperial court in 1869. Bösendorfer had already been suppliers of the pianoforte to the Austrian imperial court by royal appointment since 1839.
This Bösendorfer grand piano was among the precious gifts sent by Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I to the Japanese Emperor Meiji. It was the first such instrument to arrive at the Japanese court, and hence the first time in his life that the Tenno heard the sound of a grand piano. This magical encounter would spark Japan’s interest in Western music, and marked the beginning of an intense cultural exchange between Japan and Austria – one which has continued to this day.
The art behind "The Wave"
Katsushika Hokusai’s genius is evident in his sophisticated technique, his mastery of composition and understanding of the natural world. His work The Great Wave off Kanagawa (Kanagawa oki nami ura) was the culmination of his 30-year-long preoccupation with the theme of the wave. The drama of the scene with its thrilling composition and elegant stylisation is unsurpassed.
In this work of art, Hokusai blends tradition and innovation, combining the age-old Japanese woodblock printing technique with Prussian blue, a pigment imported from Germany and scarcely available in Japan at the time. With its remarkable intensity of colour, this new fade-resistant blue significantly enhances the dramatic effect of the waves.