Artwork

Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji: The Surface of Lake Misaka in Kai Province

Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji: The Surface of Lake Misaka in Kai Province is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, part of Katsushika Hokusai's renowned series 'Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji', captures a serene landscape in Kai Province, circa 1834, now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Lake Misaka's tranquil surface with a small boat near the shore, set against the dramatic backdrop of Mt. Fuji's snowy peak, encircled by green, populated hills, conveying a sense of vastness and peace.

Technique & Style

Hokusai employs simple, expressive lines and flat, harmonious colors, blending the pale blue sky with Mt. Fuji's white summit, achieving a balanced and calming composition.

History & Provenance

Created around 1834, this print is one of thirty-six in Hokusai's celebrated series, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Context

Part of a larger ukiyo-e series, this work reflects Hokusai's innovative approach to capturing Mt. Fuji from diverse perspectives, highlighting its cultural and natural significance in Japanese art.