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.

Mainichi Shimbun Publisher - From a fine collection of mid-20th century Utamaro reprints published by Mainichi Shimbun. This Tokyo publisher carved blocks and reprinted many of the great masterwork designs of the Edo era. Their work was exquisite with an emphasis on quality, not quantity. Note the exceptional detail, carefully shaded printing, fine mica backgrounds, embossing, and other deluxe techniques. Mainichi prints are perfect for the collector or for the highest quality reprint for display.

Turban-Shell Hall of the Five Hundred Rakan Temple - Handsome design of visitors admiring the view of Mt. Fuji from the verandah of the Sazai or Turban-shell Hall of the Five Hundred Rakan Temple. At left, a young man perches atop the bottom railing, gesturing excitedly at the snow-capped peak, while a beauty rests her forearms against the top rail. At right, two pilgrims take a break, sitting on the floor for a rest. Each wears a golden yellow vest and has a large pack. Along the horizon, a lumberyard can be seen at right, at right and rooftops peek above the green foliage on either side of the sacred mountain. A handsome composition with nice architectural detail and fine bokashi shading.

Artist - Hokusai (1760 - 1849)

Image Size - 10" x 15" + margins as shown

Condition - Excellent overall with no issues to report.