The artwork being discussed is “The Fuji from the mountains of Totomi” by Katsushika Hokusai, a renowned artist of the Ukiyo-e art movement. This particular piece is a genre painting which falls under the larger oeuvre of Hokusai’s “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji”, a series that celebrates the beauty and cultural significance of Japan’s iconic mountain. Measuring 24.2 cm by 36.4 cm, the artwork is a classic example of Hokusai’s style and the Ukiyo-e genre it represents.
In this striking composition, one observes workers in the foreground, engaged in what appears to be woodblock or paper manufacturing, with a large, diagonally positioned white plane dominating the space and drawing the viewer’s eye across the scene. This plane contrasts sharply against the vivid blues and delicate greens that color the surrounding landscape and the distant Mount Fuji. Hokusai’s expertise in creating depth and perspective is evident through the diminishing scale of the figures and the mountain’s imposing yet distant presence. The intricate detail in the portrayal of the workers showcases their traditional attire and the meticulous nature of their labor. Through the billowing smoke and meticulously composed scenery, Hokusai not only depicts a serene moment of rural life but also alludes to a harmonious relationship between man, industry, and nature.
