Fuji in the Mountains of Taisekiji Temple (Taisekiji no sanchÅ« no Fuji): Half of detatched page from One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei) Vol. 2 Possibly 1835 - 1836

Curator: What a serene yet strong composition. This is "Fuji in the Mountains of Taisekiji Temple" by Katsushika Hokusai, a woodblock print, part of his "One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji" series. Editor: The labor involved in this—from carving the blocks to printing—is incredible, especially considering the detail in the landscape. It’s captivating, even in its subdued palette. Curator: Hokusai understood how to portray Fuji as not just a physical feature, but an enduring symbol of Japanese identity and resilience. The figure gives scale to the mountain, emphasizing its majesty. Editor: The artist’s method here, it really underscores the relationship between labor and landscape. The figure almost melts into the nature, showing us just how monumental Mount Fuji truly is. Curator: Indeed. And its enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful visual and cultural resonance. It speaks to a desire for stability and national pride, even today. Editor: Looking at it from a different point of view, its accessibility is perhaps what is most interesting to me; in the past, many people had access to prints, which enabled a broader audience to see art.