Prompt Write a paragraph that states and defends a claim about which object from A History of the World in 100 Objects is the most historically significant. Choose one of the following objects: the Benin plaques, The Great Wave, the Sudanese slit drum, or the suffragette-defaced penny.

Excerpt from A History of the World in 100 Objects: Part 1

Excerpt from A History of the World in 100 Objects: Part 2

Excerpt from A History of the World in 100 Objects: Part 3

The Great Wave off Kanagawa it likely to be the most significant object from A history of the World in 100 objects.

The Wave is a woodblock print by the Japanese ukiyo-e artist Hokusai. It was published n the late Edo period as the first print in Hokusai's series.

Its relevance relies on the fact that is is the most  recognizable works of Japanese art in the world. It is one of the key elements on Japonism - the influence of Japanese art on on Western culture. Hokusai's woodblock prints became a source of inspiration for artists in many genres, mainly the Impressionists. His work had a direct impact on the works of Vincent Van Gogh, who  praised the quality of drawing and use of line in the Great Wave.

Without the Great Wave, art in the whole world would not have progressed to the point it has progressed now, its influence is truly immeasurable and everlasting.