Artwork

Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji: The Surface of Lake Misaka in Kai Province

Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji: The Surface of Lake Misaka in Kai Province is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1985.325
Credit line: The Kelvin Smith Collection, given by Mrs. Kelvin Smith

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, part of Katsushika Hokusai's renowned series 'Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji', captures a serene landscape in Kai Province, circa 1834, now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Lake Misaka's tranquil surface with a small boat near the shore, set against the dramatic backdrop of Mt. Fuji's snowy peak, encircled by green, populated hills, conveying a sense of vastness and peace.

Technique & Style

Hokusai employs simple, expressive lines and flat, harmonious colors, blending the pale blue sky with Mt. Fuji's white summit, achieving a balanced and calming composition.

History & Provenance

Created around 1834, this print is one of thirty-six in Hokusai's celebrated series, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Context

Part of a larger ukiyo-e series, this work reflects Hokusai's innovative approach to capturing Mt. Fuji from diverse perspectives, highlighting its cultural and natural significance in Japanese art.