Detatched title slip from One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei) Vol. 2 Possibly 1835 - 1836

Curator: This small paper slip is the detached title from Katsushika Hokusai's "One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji, Vol. 2". Editor: It has a striking verticality. The texture of the aged paper, combined with the dark ink, creates a sense of profound history and reverence. Curator: The title, printed vertically in elegant characters, reveals the essence of the series: a multifaceted exploration of Mount Fuji's cultural significance. It speaks to the mountain's role as a symbol of national identity and artistic inspiration. Editor: And consider the materiality itself – the delicate paper, the precise carving of the woodblock. It elevates a simple title into an object worthy of contemplation, a prelude to the visual feast that follows. Curator: Absolutely. The title slip acts as a gatekeeper, inviting us to consider the political and aesthetic context in which Hokusai created these prints. Editor: Indeed. It's a reminder that even the smallest detail can hold significant cultural meaning. Curator: A fitting introduction to the enduring legacy of Hokusai’s vision. Editor: I agree; it's a deceptively profound little slip of paper.