Fuji and Ascending Dragon (TōryÅ« no Fuji): Half of detatched page from One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei) Vol. 2 Possibly 1835 - 1836

Curator: Hokusai's "Fuji and Ascending Dragon," part of his "One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji," presents an iconic image rendered in monochrome woodblock print. Editor: The swirling clouds give it a slightly ominous feel, don't you think? It makes Fuji seem less serene, more like a powerful force. Curator: The materiality of the printmaking process is central; the labor involved in carving the woodblocks, the ink, the paper all contribute to its aesthetic value and speak to the broader context of Edo-period production and consumption. Editor: Absolutely. And the ascending dragon amidst the clouds can be interpreted as a symbol of social mobility, perhaps a critique of the rigid class structure of the time. Curator: Precisely, Hokusai frequently subverted expectations through his art, engaging with political commentary subtly. Editor: I appreciate how this print encourages us to reconsider traditional landscapes through the lens of lived experience and social critique. Curator: Indeed, it reveals layers of meaning beyond just the picturesque. Editor: A powerful reminder that even iconic images can challenge the status quo.