Artwork

冨嶽三十六景遠江山中|In the Mountains of Tōtomi Province (Tōtomi sanchū), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)

冨嶽三十六景遠江山中|In the Mountains of Tōtomi Province (Tōtomi sanchū), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei) is an ink print by the Japonisme artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1831 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1831 by the Japanese ukiyo‑e master Katsushika Hokusai, this woodblock print belongs to his celebrated series Thirty‑six Views of Mount Fuji. The image, titled In the Mountains of Tōtomi Province, depicts a bustling activity set against a verdant, hilly landscape. It is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures laborers operating a system of ropes and pulleys that span the sky, suggesting the transport of a heavy object such as timber or a fishing net. Figures gather around a low table, some pulling, others resting, while the distant mountain peak fades into mist, emphasizing the interplay between human effort and the natural environment.

Technique & Style

Executed in ink and color on paper, the print employs Hokusai’s characteristic use of soft blues, greens, and earth tones to render depth and atmosphere. Subtle cross‑hatching creates texture on the wooden frame and foliage, while the composition balances detailed foreground activity with a spacious, cloud‑filled sky.

History & Provenance

The work was produced during the late Edo period, a time when Hokusai was prolific in exploring varied perspectives of Mount Fuji. After changing hands among private collectors, it entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains on view as part of the museum’s Japanese prints collection.

Context

In the Mountains of Tōtomi Province illustrates Hokusai’s interest in depicting everyday labor within dramatic landscapes, a motif common in the Thirty‑six Views series. The print reflects the broader ukiyo‑e tradition of documenting contemporary life while celebrating iconic natural landmarks such as Mount Fuji.