Fuji from Edo (Edo no Fuji): Detached page from One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei) Vol. 1 Possibly 1834 - 1835

Curator: This is Hokusai's "Fuji from Edo," a woodblock print from his "One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji." What strikes you first? Editor: It’s bizarre, yet serene. The juxtaposition of the massive, stylized carp streamer with the distant, almost timid Mount Fuji is quite disorienting. Curator: The carp streamer, or koinobori, symbolizes courage and perseverance, traditionally flown to celebrate Children's Day. Hokusai elevates this symbol against the backdrop of Fuji. Editor: So, it's about aspirations, perhaps? The carp swimming "upstream," so to speak, towards the iconic mountain that embodies the spirit of Japan. And the little bird on top, a hopeful touch? Curator: Precisely. Consider the socio-political context: the Edo period was marked by rigid social hierarchies. The carp, a symbol accessible to all, democratizes the aspiration to reach great heights. Editor: It’s fascinating how Hokusai uses a popular symbol to reflect broader social dynamics. Seeing it this way, the print feels much more layered than initially apparent. Curator: It speaks to how art can capture the collective dreams of a society. Editor: A powerful reminder that even a seemingly simple image can be a potent carrier of cultural meaning.