Artwork
冨嶽三十六景 信州諏訪湖|Lake Suwa in Shinano Province (Shinshū Suwako), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
冨嶽三十六景 信州諏訪湖|Lake Suwa in Shinano Province (Shinshū Suwako), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei) is an ink print by the Japonisme artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1831 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1831, this woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai belongs to his celebrated series Thirty‑six Views of Mount Fuji. The image portrays Lake Suwa in Shinano Province, showing a tranquil lakeside scene framed by a solitary tree, a modest thatched dwelling, and a small boat drifting on the water, all set against a distant volcanic peak.
Subject & Meaning
The composition juxtaposes everyday rural life with the grandeur of nature. A lone tree and a humble house anchor the foreground, while the far‑off volcano, Mount Fuji, dominates the horizon, suggesting the enduring presence of the sacred mountain within ordinary landscapes and inviting contemplation of humanity’s place within the natural world.
Technique & Style
Executed in ink and color on paper, the print employs Hokusai’s characteristic muted palette and delicate line work. The balanced arrangement of elements creates depth: the foreground foliage and architecture recede toward the atmospheric mountain, while subtle gradations of tone convey a calm, mist‑laden ambience typical of early‑19th‑century ukiyo‑e.
History & Provenance
Part of the Thirty‑six Views series, this work was produced during Hokusia’s late period and reflects his continued interest in varied perspectives of Mount Fuji. The print entered the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is conserved as an example of the artist’s mature woodblock practice and the series’ broad geographic scope.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsushika Hokusai spent his life in Edo, now Tokyo, where he drew and carved prints for a living.
- 冨嶽三十六景 相州七里浜|Shichirigahama in Sagami Province (Sōshū Shichirigahama), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
冨嶽三十六景 甲州伊沢暁|Dawn at Isawa in Kai Province (Kōshū Isawa no akatsuki), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
冨嶽三十六景 相州江の島|Enoshima in Sagami Province (Sōshū Enoshima), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
冨嶽三十六景 甲州三坂水面|Reflection in Lake at Misaka in Kai Province (Kōshū Misaka suimen), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
冨嶽三十六景 相州箱根湖水|The Lake at Hakone in Sagami Province (Sōshū Hakone kosui), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
冨嶽三十六景 武州玉川|Fuji—The Tama River, Musashi Province, from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
冨嶽三十六景 武州玉川|Tama River in Musashi Province (Bushū Tamagawa), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
冨嶽三十六景 相州七里浜|Shichirigahama in Sagami Province (Sōshū Shichirigahama), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
冨嶽三十六景 相州梅沢左|Umezawa Manor in Sagami Province (Sōshū Umezawa zai), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)
冨嶽三十六景 身延川裏不二|View from the Other Side of Fuji from the Minobu River (Minobugawa ura Fuji), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjūrokkei)