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.

Takamizawa's "36 Views of Fuji" release - In the early and mid 20th century, with the increase in Western visitors to Japan and the interest in the Edo era woodblock print tradition, some of the best publishing houses began to release high quality ukiyo-e of scenery and portrait prints from the Edo era. It was during this time that the Takamizawa Publisher, the finest reprint publisher of the era, began work on their production of Hokusai's 36 Views of Fuji.

Drawing on the traditions and methods of the Edo era, Takamizawa’s carvers carefully cut new blocks and printed prints replicating Edo era colors on beautiful handmade paper. Takamizawa's 36 Fuji prints were released to great acclaim. Some of the most popular subjects, such as Red Fuji and the Great Wave, have become highly sought after.

Takamizawa's 36 Fuji prints are arguably the finest reprints of Hokusai's series ever done. Today, many collector’s seek out this series specifically. Each Takamizawa print features the Takamizawa seal on reverse.

Mishima Pass in Kai Province - Wonderful scene of travelers relaxing on the hilly Mishima Pass. Attempting to measure the circumference of the large tree dominating the landscape, three men stretch their arms around the trunk. Another fellow smokes a pipe as he sits next to a bundle of firewood. Swirling clouds drift around the base and peak of Mt. Fuji in the background. A terrific design with lovely color and detail.

Artist - Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Image Size - 9 7/8" x 14 7/8" + margins as shown

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