A Noble's Villa - Fuji at Sunamura (Kika bessō Sunamura no Fuji): Half of detatched page from One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei) Vol. 3 c. 1835 - 1847

Editor: Hokusai’s "A Noble's Villa - Fuji at Sunamura" presents a scene of figures fishing, with Mount Fuji subtly placed in the background. It feels like a snapshot of everyday life elevated by the iconic mountain. What strikes you most about this work? Curator: It's fascinating how Hokusai uses Mount Fuji, not just as a landscape element, but as a symbol of national identity and stability, grounding the scene of leisure. Considering the socio-political context of the time, what do you think this image communicates about the role of art? Editor: Perhaps it shows the accessibility of beauty and leisure even during potentially turbulent times. Is it a form of escapism, or a celebration of Japanese identity? Curator: It could be both. These prints were widely distributed, shaping a shared visual culture. It’s interesting to consider how Hokusai’s art served as a unifying force. Editor: I hadn't thought about it as a tool for unity. Thanks for sharing that perspective. Curator: Likewise; thinking about its reception and impact changes how I see it.