Fuji on the Face of a Paddy (Tanomo no Fuji): Detached page from One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei) Vol. 1 Possibly 1834 - 1835

Curator: This is Hokusai's woodblock print, "Fuji on the Face of a Paddy," a detached page from his "One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji." Editor: It's strikingly simple, almost austere. The composition, with those birds soaring above what seems like a minimalist landscape, evokes a sense of yearning. Curator: The image, though seemingly straightforward, presents a complex interplay between the symbolic and the representational. Fuji, of course, is a national icon. Editor: And these birds, their wings meticulously detailed, provide a contrasting sense of movement against the static mountain implied below. One wonders about the reception of such imagery during Hokusai's time. Curator: Hokusai was deeply engaged with popular culture. These prints were intended for a broad audience and played a role in shaping national identity. Editor: The monochromatic palette focuses our attention on the line work. I find it remarkable how few lines evoke such a powerful sense of place and feeling.