<br>Series; Thirty-six Views of Fuji
Hokusai (1786 - 1864)
1
The Nihonbashi Bridge in Edo
The famous Nihonbashi bridge spanning the Nihon River seen in the extreme foreground
with workers and townspeople packing the bridge, moving in each direction. This was the
central commercial district in Edo, and looking down the river one sees Fuji rising in the
background.
2
View of the Mitsui Stores at Surugacho in Edo
Downtown Edo with the impressive merchant buildings lining the prosperous street.
Kites flying in a spring breeze, framing Fuji in the distance.
3
Surugadai in Edo
Surugadai shown in this scene is in the Kanda district of Tokyo. In Hokusai’s time this
beautiful area with this beautiful landscape offered incredible views of Fuji and close
proximity to the shogun. Surugadai was famous for mansions of the ruling class. Here
Hokusai shows one such mansion in the lower right corner. The roof tops of Edo beyond
and Fuji rising in the distance. There is a samurai and two servants walking near the
mansion. This is a beautiful print with fine detail and color, it would make a wonderful
addition to any collection.
4
Honganji Temple at Asakusa in Edo
A fantastic Fuji view with the rooftop of Honganji Temple in the foreground. It is New
Year’s Day, a kite is flying and workers replace tiles on the huge temple roof. Wonderful
view from Hokusai’s series.
5
Lumberyards on the Takekawa River at Honjo
Wonderful Hokusai Edo view with Fuji rising in the distance. Lumbermen working in the
incredible, active lumberyards at the edge of the city, the rooftops beyond. Beautiful rich
colors, the blue tile roofs and water especially attractive. A fine piece for display.
6
Under the Mannen Bridge at Fukagawa, Edo
The Mannen Bridge stands over the Onagigawa River as it flows into the Sumida River.
Fishermen sit below, while travelers pass across bridge. With strong colors and nice
detail, a lovely print depicting a calm scene.
7
Turban-Shell Hall of the Five Hundred Rakan Temple
Visitors stand admiring Mount Fuji from a hall in the Rakan Temple. A print that stands
apart from Hokusai’s general depiction of the relationship between man and nature as one
ambivalence. Here the individuals stand in admiration and appear to be moved by the
beauty of the mountain. Fine detail and bright color further the beauty and excitement of
the print. A lovely and unusual Hokusai subject that would be an excellent choice for a
collector.
8
The Cushion Pine at Aoyama, Edo
A fantastic Hokusai design depicting the famous pine tree in the garden of Ryuganji, the
enormous spreading boughs propped with wooden supports, the legs of a gardener seen
trimming the branches below the pine. Beautiful view of Fuji.
9
Waterwheel at Onden
A scene of farmers working diligently with the watermill. Hulling and carrying rice their
work is the center of their attention as Fuji stands unnoticed in the background. The
subject that Hokusai explores in this series is the work and hardship that characterizes the
human condition while nature (represented through Fuji) takes its’ own course, humans
and natures both in harmony yet standing apart. A nice scene with an interesting
background.
10
Lower Meguro
Beautiful Hokusai image of a quaint, thatch-roofed farming village, the hills surrounding
terraced for cultivation. In a dip between hills, Fuji can be seen in the distance. In the
foreground, two falconers stop to question a local farmer. Rich color and excellent detail.
11
Snowy Morning at Koishikawa
Beautiful, snowy landscape and Fuji view, several people seen gathered to view the
snow-covered mountain from their home on the left side of the print. Excellent color in
this excellent reprint.
12
Sekiya Village on the Sumida River
Beautiful Hokusai print depicting three riders racing along a winding road through the
marshy land north of the Arakawa River. Mt. Fuji rises in the distance.
13
Senju in Musashi Province
Beautiful view of Fuji from Senju, a suburb of Edo. Two fishermen sit along the edge of
the canal and fish from the Arakawa River. A traveler looks across towards Fuji and leads
his tired horse behind him.
14
Fuji Seen from the Senju Pleasure Quarters
A scene of samurais marching in procession, carrying their guns wrapped in brown cloth.
The snow-covered Fuji in the background and the earthy colors dominating the print
suggest a late autumn scene. A nice print with a strong composition and perspective.
15
Tsukuda Island in Musashi Province, Edo
A birds-eye view of Tsukuda Island shows a quaint fishing village in the mouth of the
Sumida River. An interesting design mainly concerned with the shape and function of
boats, Hokusai creates a gathered composition. A fine Takamizawa reprint with
Takamizawa seal on reverse. With fine embossing in the clouds, nice detail and a lovely
subject, would make for a beautiful display.
16
At Sea off Kazusa
A view of two ships sailing across an expansive sea. The billowing sails and change in
color from a deep blue in the foreground to the green of the horizon creates a strong
feeling of movement. A very thorough depiction of the ships, with fine color and detail.
17
The Bay of Noboto in Shimosa Province
Men and women gathering clams in the shallow waters of Noboto Bay on a summer
morning in this beautiful Hokusai print. Two children play in the water and Fuji rises in
the distance through the large torii gate. Great print.
18
Fuji from Ushibori in Hitachi Province
A large boat juts into marshy waters, disturbing an otherwise quiet scene. With
meticulous detail, Hokusai creates an involved view of the boat, a fisherman pouring
water into the marsh. A softly-colored print with very nice detail and a nice composition.
19
Fuji from Gotenyama
A charming scene of cherry blossom viewing at Gotenyama, the hill north of Shinagawa
in Edo. A happy group enjoying a leisurely day viewing the spring blossoms, Fuji rising
in the distance. Lovely, tranquil scene.
20
The Great Wave
Perhaps the most famous woodblock print of all time. Certainly a masterpiece of
Japanese art. Hokusai's Great Wave is an incredible woodblock design. The image
depicts two groups of brave men fighting the rolling waters of the sea. A huge curl of
wave rises from the left and frames a view of Fuji - tranquil and oblivious to the
challenge of the humans.
21
The Tama River in Musashi Province, Edo
A serene morning scene of the Tamagawa River flowing towards Fuji. A heavy fog
settled across the print over the river, a lone fishing boat against the waves. On the shore
a single rider stands while his horse drinks from the river. A lovely print with soft colors,
evoking a calm morning on the Tama River.
22
Hodogaya on the Tokaido Road
An interesting print of travelers along the Tokaido road. Hokusai’s arrangement of the
trees through which Fuji stands in the background creates a dual perspective: it appears
both in the distance while also appearing close to the viewer. The travelers are in typical
Japanese dress; this print is of a traditional scene with fine color and detail.
23
Shichiri Beach in Sagami Province
Another fantastic Hokusai landscape print depicting the rolling dunes of Shichiri beach
along the Pacific Ocean. A small village is tucked in the trees along the water’s edge. Mt.
Fuji rises in the distance beyond. Beautiful composition.
24
Enoshima in Sagami Province
Beautiful landscape print by Hokusai showing the island of Enoshima and the large
temple there dedicated to Benzaiten, the Buddhist female deity of long life, good fortune,
and victory. Pilgrims can be seen approaching the temple along a sand bar at low tide.
Fuji seen in the distance. Excellent detail in this Hokusai reprint.
25
Nakahara in Sagami Province
A simple, but successful composition of local residents and travelers using a small road
with a fantastic view of Fuji. As usual, Hokusai makes the scene interesting with
extensive details. A lovely Fuji view and great piece for display. Also a nice choice for a
collector.
26
Near Umezawa Manor in Sagami Province
An auspicious scene of a majestic Mount Fuji standing while cranes, Japan’s most sacred
bird, gather in the foreground. A beautiful print evoking serenity and calmness, printed
with just the colors blue, pink, and light green, the fine color and symbolic subjects create
a stunning composition. Among Hokusai’s masterworks, this print is a lovely choice for
a collector.
27
Hakone Lake in Sagami Province
A beautiful, serene scene high in the mountains near Hakone. Fuji rises in the distance
over the rolling hills. Beautiful lake scenery in the foreground. Fog at these high altitudes
in the morning. Lovely, desolate scenery.
28
Mishima Pass in Kai Province
A nice print of travelers relaxing on the hilly Mishima Pass. Attempting to measure the
circumference of the tree, the men reach their arms around, another sits and puffs on his
tobacco. A lovely print with soft green and blue tones, Fuji and clouds in the
background. A pleasing composition that would make for a nice display.
29
Fuji from the Tea Plantation of Katakura in Suruga Province
A detailed scene of a tea plantation in the Suruga Province. Men carrying cargo stand in
the foreground while women in bamboo hats pick tea leaves in the background. A snowcovered Fuji stands in the background. A lovely print with fine color and detail.
30
The New Fields of Ono in Suruga Province
Early morning in the marshy paddies of Ono with mist rising from the wet grasses and
water fowl skimming the surface of the water. Fuji rises solemnly through the mist to the
sky. Beautiful scene, fantastic Hokusai work.
31
Thunderstorm Beneath the Summit
A classic print of Mount Fuji with lightening striking in a zigzag fashion below the
summit. Fuji in red contrasts with the calm background of the blue sky. A famous print
with an incredible composition, a wonderful choice for a collector.
32
Red Fuji
One of the most famous and sought after woodblock prints of all time. Fuji is said to take
on a red color in the early morning and around sunset. This is especially noticeable on a
summer day with the undulating clouds and a clear sky as shown here. The design is
simple and an artistic masterpiece. This print, along with the Great Wave are thought to
be the best prints of the series and the masterworks of Hokusai’s career.
33
Mountain Climbers
An interesting and unusual view of Fuji, the only print not depicting the mountain’s
general configuration. Here pilgrims are seen climbing up the side of the road, a large
group huddled in the cave for warmth. Great scene.
34
Ejiri in Suruga Province
A sudden gust of wind surprises the travelers on a road that winds through marshy land.
Papers flying from a backpack of a woman caught in the wind, travelers holding their
hats. Beautiful natural scenery with Fuji in the distance.
35
Tago Bay near Ejiri on the Tokaido Road
Two boats pulling through the choppy sea at Tago Bay near Ejiri. This celebrated spot
has long been known as a terrific place to view the mountain. Beautiful print with rolling
water in the foreground. Workers on the salt flats in the plains beyond and Fuji rising
through the clouds.
36
Fuji from Kanaya on the Tokaido Road
Depicting travelers crossing the swift current of the Oi River, Hokusai conveys strong
movement across the print. With exacting detail of the water pushing against the efforts
of the travelers, Hokusai creates a fine composition. Fine color furthers the excitement of
the scene.
37
Woodcutters in the Totomi Mountains
An extraordinary Hokusai print from the Fuji series. A huge piece of lumber is propped
diagonally as two men saw into the wood making dimensioned lumber. The group
oblivious to the fantastic view of Fuji, the mountain rising in the background. Very nice.
38
Yoshida on the Tokaido Road
Terrific print of the famous teahouse along the Tokaido road, the sign in the foreground
proudly proclaiming "Fuji viewing Teahouse." The visitors to the teahouse are viewing
the mountain in the distance. Terrific, traditional scenery.
39
Fujimigahara ("Fuji-View Fields")
A lovely print with a strong composition. A man labors towards sealing the seams of an
enormous tub. The circle of the tub focusing the composition, Fuji framed in the
background. Fine colors of green and pink contrast to create a very nice print.
40
View from Inume Pass in Kai Province
Fuji from the hillside of Inume pass on the Koshu road. On the gentle slope at the left,
two travelers walk in front of horses laden with cargo.
41
Reflection in Lake Misaka, Kai Province
Wonderful view of Fuji in Lake Misaka. An interesting design, Hokusai seems to want to
show both of Fuji’s faces. The barren summer peak bathed in sunlight and the reflection
in the water showing snow covered Fuji, a winter condition. Excellent soft color and fine
detail. Would make a lovely display.
42
Dawn at Isawa in Kai Province
Early morning as the sun rises in a village near a river, the mountain seen in the distance.
Foretelling sunrise, Fuji stands against a pink sky. Travelers arranging their packs to
continue down the road for the day.
43
Lake Suwa in Shinano Province
A beautiful view of Lake Suwa from a high position along the shore. In the distance, the
Takashima Castle seen left of center and just belowThirty- Mt. Fuji at the tip of the cape
filled with houses. Wonderful old print and beautiful 19th century Hokusai Fuji view.
44
Fuji from Kajikazawa
A famous scene of the fisherman casting his net into the turbulent waters, Fuji in the near
distance, only the summit seen above the fog. A beautiful print with a symmetrical
composition: the lines of Fuji and the lines of the craggy rock and fishing line creating a
triangular shape. With fine color and detail, this would make for an excellent display.
45
The Back of Mt. Fuji from the Minobu River
Terrific Fuji view and unusual in that Fuji usually dominates the landscape scenery in
Hokusai’s series. However, here the mountain competes with two other rocky mountains
in the foreground. Travelers along the road near the water below. Excellent scene.
46
Viewing Sunset over the Ryogoku Bridge from the Ommaya Embankment
The ferry landing on a cool spring morning and travelers crossing the Sumida on a
wooden boat. Wonderful genre scene from old Edo. Beautiful example from Hokusai’s
series.