The artwork entitled “Fujimi Fuji view field in the Owari province,” created by Katsushika Hokusai, is part of the Ukiyo-e art movement and belongs to the genre of genre painting. It is one of the works within the series “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.” This particular piece exemplifies Hokusai’s ability to depict everyday life scenes in combination with the majestic backdrop of Mount Fuji, highlighting the intersection between the ordinary and the sublime in Edo period Japan.
In the artwork, a craftsman is depicted kneeling at work, constructing a large circular structure which appears to be a hoop or barrel. Set against a vivid and picturesque background, the scene showcases lush greenery, silhouettes of trees, and a scenic, serene Mount Fuji with its iconic snow-capped peak in the distance. The gradation from deep blue at the top to a warm palette near the horizon further adds dimension to the sky, while the balanced composition and meticulous detail reflect Hokusai’s masterful craftsmanship. Traditional tools and elements of the natural landscape come together in this vivid representation, encapsulating a moment of quiet industriousness in a timeless rural setting.
