Hokusai and the Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji - In Japan, Mt. Fuji is a sacred place and a symbol of the country itself. Rising majestically near the center of Japan, Fuji dominates the landscape and the Japanese national identity. At the age of sixty-nine, the great Hokusai began what would become the most famous landscape print series of ukiyo-e, his incredible Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.

Originally intended to comprise thirty-six prints, the publisher added an additional ten images, bringing the series total to forty-six woodblocks. Originally published around 1830, Hokusai's bold compositions capture the strength, beauty, and symbolism of Mt. Fuji in rain and snow, at sunrise and dusk, and from a variety of vantage points. The series includes some of Hokusai's greatest masterpieces. These fantastic images portray the strength and majesty of nature, leading the viewer to contemplate man's place in relation to the natural world. A truly magnificent series, Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji justly remains Hokusai's most famous and highly regarded work.

Hodogaya on the Tokaido Road - Interesting scene of travelers along the Tokaido Road near Hodogaya. At left, a palanquin bearer stops to mend his broken sandal, while behind them a groom leads a horse with a rider. A wandering priest called a komuso makes his way in the other direction. The tall pine trees frame a lovely view of Mt. Fuji in the distance.

Published by the Kato Hanga Kenkyusho (Woodblock Print Research Center) of Tokyo, with publisher's seal in margin of each print.

Artist - Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Image Size - 10" x 14 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A few small spots. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.