Fuji with a Rocket

by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Current Status

Fuji with a Rocket by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Hokusai (1760 - 1849) Japanese Woodblock Reprint
Fuji with a Rocket

100 Views of Mt. Fuji (Fugaku Hyakkei)

100 Views of Mt. Fuji - Beautiful color reprint of a scene from Hokusai's "100 Views of Mt. Fuji" series, which was originally designed in black and white. The series was devoted to the sacred Mt. Fuji and reflects the importance of the mountain in the everyday lives of the Japanese during the Edo era. From land and sea, throughout the seasons, Mt. Fuji appears majestic with an appealing sense of permanence. This reprint edition by Takamizawa was published in the mid-20th century with the addition of beautiful coloring. These classic Hokusai landscape views are a wonderful choice for display.

Hokusai Anthology of Famous Pictures by Takamizawa - In the mid-1950s, the renowned Takamizawa Publisher released a reprint series of 49 of Hokusai prints. The series focused on Hokusai’s charming, atypical designs that were less commonly seen. From nature scenes and beauties to outstanding selections from Hokusai's "100 Views of Mt. Fuji" series, these expertly carved and printed designs beautifully capture the details of the Edo era originals. Printed with the attention to detail and exquisite quality of the Takamizawa Publisher, this rare reprint series is a collector’s delight.

Fuji with a Rocket - Intriguing view of fishermen on the shore using torches to char the bottom of their overturned boat to prevent rotting. The rocket of the title is a military signal rocket, shown as a tiny smoky swirl high in the sky near the top margin. Late each summer, military maneuvers were held near the mouth of the Sumida River in Edo, likely what is being shown here. A village with traditional thatched roofs is perched upon the precarious stony seawall at left, and fishing nets are hung out to dry at right. A fascinating subject, with Mt. Fuji a small white peak on the distant horizon.

Woodblock reprints - In the 20th century, artists and publishers collaborated to recreate famous woodblock prints for interested Japanese collectors and Westerners looking for rare designs. New blocks were made, and the prints were painstakingly printed by artisan printers in the same method as the 19th century originals - one block for each color. Woodblock reprints were an opportunity to collect and enjoy a famous design at a small fraction of the price of an original. They still are today.

Artist - Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Image Size - 7 1/2" x 10 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Fuji with a Rocket by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)
Fuji with a Rocket by Hokusai (1760 - 1849)