Gedichten over de berg Fuji 1946

Koshiro Onchi made this cover for a book of poems about Mount Fuji; we don’t know exactly when, but it’s now in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. There is something so lovely about the soft, almost blurry, quality of this image. It’s like a memory, a dream of a mountain. The muted grays and blues create a soothing, ethereal feel. The way Onchi uses ink wash, it's hard to tell where the mountain begins and the sky ends. Look closely, and you’ll see how the ink bleeds and pools in certain areas, creating depth and texture. It’s a deceptively simple image, but it captures something essential about the majesty and mystery of nature. When I look at it, I am reminded of artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, who similarly found endless inspiration in the natural world. There is a conversation across time and place – a shared appreciation for the power and beauty of the earth. Ultimately, art isn’t about answers; it’s about asking questions and opening up possibilities.