Japanese woodblock print – Katsushika Hokusai – Fuji reflected in Lake Kawaguchi – Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series – Shōwa Yūyūdō edition

Ukiyo-e print, woodblock print. [Shōwa era re-issue using traditional woodblock printing techniques]

Print type: scenes and landscapes: Fūkei-ga 風景画

🎨 Artist: Katsushika Hokusai 葛飾北斎, signed 前北斎為一筆 Saki no Hokusai Iitsu hitsu

Publication date: Shōwa period, circa 1965. Original edition 1830-31.

📜 Publisher: Yūyūdō 悠々洞出版
Editorial supervision: Yoshida Eiji 吉田暎二 (great expert in Japanese prints)
Engraver (Hori-shi): 松田寅蔵 Matsuda Torazō
Printer (Suri-shi): 遠藤忠雄 Endō Tadao

📏 Format: 32 x 21.5 cm (ōban yoko-e) supplied with passe-partout

Series: 富嶽三十六景 (Fugaku Sanjūrokkei): Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji

Title: 甲州三坂水面 (Kōshū Misaka suimen)
Reflection of Mount Fuji in Lake Kawaguchi, seen from Misaka Pass in Kai Province. No. 35 in the series

Subject:

This print is one of the most poetic and silent compositions in the series. Hokusai depicts Mount Fuji from Misaka Pass, in the former province of Kai, with its immense reflection spreading across the calm waters of Lake Kawaguchi.

The scene is one of great subtlety: the real Fuji appears in the background, rising behind the hills and pines, while its inverted reflection occupies the foreground, like an almost unreal presence. This bold construction creates a fascinating dialogue between mountain, water, and illusion.

On the shores of the lake, small villages with thatched roofs blend into the landscape. The houses, trees, and reliefs are rendered with great delicacy of line. A solitary boat glides across the water, further accentuating the tranquility of the scene.

The composition rests on a remarkable contrast between Fuji, stable and majestic, and its floating image, pale and almost spectral. The sky and water are treated in delicate bokashi gradations, while the deep blues recall the decorative power of the series.

This authentic Japanese print, a genuine Shōwa re-issue published by Yūyūdō, is of very good quality, produced by renowned artisans: Matsuda Torazō for engraving and Endō Tadao for printing.

Condition: Print in perfect condition, presented with passe-partout. Fresh and balanced colors, very fine print quality typical of Yūyūdō editions.

🦝 Our opinion:

This print by master Hokusai is absolutely captivating! Here, there are no crowds or spectacular movement: everything is based on Fuji, calm, reflection, and contemplation. Mount Fuji doubles in Lake Kawaguchi, as if Hokusai invites us to look at the landscape as much as to meditate on its image. It's a personal interpretation, but it seems as though Hokusai is showing us 2 images of Fuji in different seasons, a summer version of Fuji at the top and its reflection in the water in a winter version that appears to be covered in snow!

A superb print for those who love Fuji or want to remember their trip to the magnificent lake region in Kawaguchi!