One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei), Vol. 3 c. 1835 - 1847

Editor: This is an open book from Hokusai's *One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji*. The delicate lines create a dream-like landscape. What symbols and stories do you see hidden within these pages? Curator: Notice how the repetition of figures and objects, like the pilgrims and their hats, creates a visual rhythm, almost a mantra. In Japanese art, Mount Fuji isn't just a mountain; it's a symbol of power, longevity, and a sacred space, deeply embedded in the cultural memory. Editor: So, Hokusai uses these repeating images to amplify the symbolic meaning of Fuji? Curator: Exactly. The image of countless pilgrims ascending also suggests a collective spiritual journey, the human desire for enlightenment. Considering the period, might this also reflect societal stability and shared cultural beliefs? Editor: I see it now. The mountain is more than just a geographical feature. Curator: Indeed! It's a vessel carrying profound cultural and emotional weight, shaped by generations.