Hape Hokusai Great Wave Building Block Set is designed for children ages 2 years and up, transforming a world-famous masterpiece into a hands-on building experience that encourages imagination, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination through stacking, arranging, and open-ended play. Inspired by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai’s Under the Wave off Kanagawa, widely known as The Great Wave, this set draws from his renowned series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.

The set includes 14 wooden blocks, sized for little hands to grasp and manipulate with ease. As children stack, combine, and rebuild the different shapes, they naturally develop shape recognition, spatial reasoning, fine motor skills, and problem-solving ability. The movement, rhythm, and cultural imagery of the original artwork also offer an engaging introduction to art, storytelling, and cross-cultural appreciation, making playtime both creative and meaningful.

Part of the collaboration between Hape and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, this set brings iconic works from The Met’s collection into the world of early childhood play. Designed to support babies’ and toddlers’ developmental needs while inspiring curiosity and creativity, it is ideal for everyday screen-free play, parent-child interaction, or as a special gift for young builders and little art lovers alike.

Item No.: E0537

Hape x The Met Hokusai Great Wave Wooden Frame Puzzle is designed for children ages 4 years and up, combining puzzle play with art appreciation and hands-on discovery. Inspired by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai’s Under the Wave off Kanagawa, this puzzle introduces children to one of the world’s most iconic works of art while supporting the development of observation skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving ability.

The puzzle includes 48 pieces and comes with a wooden frame, providing a clear and stable puzzle area that is especially helpful for young children as they build and organize the image. As they complete the scene, children can observe details such as the rolling wave, boats, and distant Mount Fuji, helping strengthen visual recognition, shape matching, part-to-whole understanding, focus, and patience. Puzzle play also supports early logical thinking and encourages confidence through trial and success.

Developed in collaboration with Hape and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, with input from early childhood experts, this puzzle offers a thoughtful balance of educational value, artistic inspiration, and playability. Whether for quiet independent play, parent-child activity time, or screen-free learning, it provides a rich and meaningful early learning experience.

Item No.: E1471