Fuji under a Sluice (Kakehi no Fuji): Half of detatched page from One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei) Vol. 2 Possibly 1835 - 1836

Editor: This is Hokusai’s "Fuji under a Sluice," from his "One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji." The monochromatic palette and strong lines are striking. What do you see in the composition of this woodblock print? Curator: Note how Hokusai employs a limited tonal range, relying on the contrast between line and void to articulate form. The diagonal lines of the landscape elements create a dynamic tension, drawing the eye towards the distant, implied presence of Mount Fuji. Editor: So, the structure emphasizes a viewpoint even though we can't see the mountain directly. Curator: Precisely. The work uses the tension between what is present and absent to create a complex visual and intellectual experience. The formal elements contribute to the work’s enduring appeal. Editor: I see now how the composition itself speaks to the subject, even without a clear depiction. Thanks!