Doc Martens and The Met Team Up to Pay Homage to Japanese Master Hokusai

Dr. Martens and The Met Hokusai Collaboration

Dr. Martens is known for its iconic footwear and, in the past, the company has married its designs with classic art by collaborating with Tate Britain. Now, Dr. Martens has a new artistic collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and together they're bringing the art of Japanese master Katsushika Hokusai to the masses. On November 26, limited edition boots, shoes, and a backpack adorned with his artwork were released to the public.

The Japanese ukiyo-e painter and woodblock artist saw his international popularity skyrocket after Japan opened up its borders in the 1850s. His best-known work is his series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. Of the series, by far the most popular work is The Great Wave Off Kanagawa. Thus, it seems fitting that this iconic print adorns the 1460 leather lace-up boots, arguably Dr. Martens' most iconic shoe.

Retailing for $180, the boots see the swells of the wave come crashing down on the front of the shoe. The neutral background allows the blue waves to really pop and make these boots a true conversation piece. The 1461 leather oxford shoes, which retail for $140, have a more subtle approach and feature Fuji from Gotenyama at Shinagawa on the Tokaido, from the Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. A full landscape in muted pastels moves across the length of the shoe, almost making it a sculpture to view from all angles.

If footwear isn't your thing, you can still get in on the collaboration thanks to the beautiful leather backpack that also features The Great Wave Off Kanagawa. The limited edition bag is made from Masterpiece leather, which is textured to mimic the finish of a canvas. The backpack, which retails for $210, features both straps and handles and antique gold hardware.

So whether you are searching for a gift or just want to treat yourself, Dr. Martens and The Met have put together a mini collection that would wash over any art lover's heart with a wave of joy.

Dr. Martens and The Met have collaborated on a mini collection honoring Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.

Dr. Martens The Great Wave Boots

Both Dr. Martens' classic leather boots and a backpack feature Hokusai's iconic The Great Wave.

The Great Wave Dr. MartensDr. Martens and The Met Hokusai CollaborationDr. Martens Hokusai Bag

The limited edition backpack is made from leather that is textured to mimic the finish of a canvas.

Dr. Martens Hokusai Bag

Dr. Martens' 1461 leather oxfords feature another scene from Hokusai's Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji.

Dr. Martens and The Met Hokusai Collaboration

The entire collection is now available online and in Dr. Martens stores.

Limited Edition Dr. Martens OxfordsDr. Martens: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Metropolitan Museum of Art: Website | Store
h/t: [Design Taxi]

All images via Dr. Martens.

Related Articles:

Vans and MoMA Join Forces For an Artistic Collection of Shoes and Apparel

Doc Martens Releases ‘Eastern Art’ Collection Inspired by Japanese Paintings

Marge Simpson’s Hair Is Turned Into a Fuzzy Shoe in New Adidas Collaboration

Adidas Releases Groovy Tie-Dye Sneaker in Celebration of Woodstock’s 50th Anniversary

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content