Honderd gezichten op de berg Fuji 1834 - 1875

This book, "Honderd gezichten op de berg Fuji" (One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji), was created by Katsushika Hokusai using woodblock printing, a technique deeply rooted in Japanese artistic tradition. The texture of the paper, likely a handmade Washi, gives the prints a unique tactile quality. Woodblock printing involves carving an image into a block of wood, inking it, and then pressing paper against it. The precise registration and layering of colors speak to the immense skill of both the artist and the block carvers and printers, who were often different individuals. Each impression requires meticulous labor, making even a mass-produced book a testament to human effort. This process democratized art in Japan, making it accessible to a wider audience. By focusing on an iconic subject, Mount Fuji, Hokusai tapped into a sense of national identity and pride. The book itself becomes a cultural artifact, reflecting the values and aesthetics of its time. The repetitive nature of printing allowed for a wider distribution of Hokusai's vision, influencing popular culture. Ultimately, the book stands as a reminder that even seemingly simple objects can be rich with meaning when we consider the materials, processes, and social context from which they emerge.