(Mount Fuji) c. 1861 - 1863

Yabu Chōsui created this delicate ink drawing of Mount Fuji sometime in the mid-19th century. This was a period of great social and political change in Japan, as the country navigated its relationship with an increasingly globalized world while dealing with internal unrest. Mount Fuji, a symbol of national identity and spiritual significance, is rendered here with a minimalist grace, reflecting the artist's deep connection to both nature and cultural heritage. The accompanying calligraphy, an integral part of the composition, hints at the artist's personal reflections and the layered meanings embedded within the landscape. Consider how Chōsui, living in a time of shifting cultural values, uses this iconic image to negotiate his own identity, both as an individual and as a member of society. Through its understated beauty and profound symbolism, this artwork invites us to contemplate the interplay between personal experience, cultural identity, and the enduring power of nature.