South Wind, Clear Dawn (Gaifu kaisei), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjurokkei)
ca. 1830-32
Mount Fuji, the most recognizable landmark in Japan, is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhist and Shinto practitioners. Hokusai, best known for his captivating designs of woodblock prints, created a series of thirty-six views of the mountain, showing it in different seasons, at different times of day, and from various angles.
This print is commonly known as “Red Fuji.” It not only represents the iconic conical form of the mountain when it is illuminated by morning light but also is an icon in its own right. Like the “Great Wave” print, this is one of the best-known works of Japanese art in the world.
Woodblock print; ink and color on paper
Sheet: 9 7/8 x 14 3/4 in.
Gift of Mary and Allan Kollar, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
2010.15
Provenance: [Israel Goldman Japanese Prints, London, England]; purchased from gallery by Allan Kollar, Seattle, Washington, 2006; to Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 2010
Photo: William Wickett
