Hiroshige's 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. Hiroshige completed designs for his last series, "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," in 1858. Following a tradition established by Hokusai, Hiroshige’s wonderful series show the mountain in each of the four seasons, from a variety of vantage points. Hiroshige utilized a vertical full oban format to create dramatic and breathtaking views of this most revered landmark. Views range from the urban city center of Edo to cherry blossom viewing in a small village and the fantastic crashing wave at Awa. Seen less frequently than some of his more well-known series, "Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji" ranks as one of Hiroshige's best vertical format series.

Mt. Rokuso in Kazusa Province - Handsome spring view from Mt. Rokuso looking across the bay to Mt. Fuji in the distance. At tall pine tree dominates the hilltop, with a traveler on horseback approaching a wooden torii gate at right, and a few pedestrians climbing up the mount at left. Cherry trees covered with pink and white blossoms and the rosy glow spreading along the horizon add a colorful touch. An interesting composition, nicely colored and shaded.

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 - Hiroshige (1797 - 1858)

Image Size - 13 1/4" x 8 5/8" + margins as shown

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