Made in Japan

SPECIFICATION

Artist: Hokusai Katsushika

Series Title: Fugaku Sanju-Roku Kei (Thirty Six Views of Mt. Fuji)

Printing method: Hand printed woodblock print

Paper: Japanese washi paper Echizen Kizuki Bosho by Living National Treasure Iwano-Ichibe

Wood block: Cherry blossom wood

Dimension of artwork: H250mm x W 380mm / about H10in x W15in

Base paper dimension: H335mm x W485mm / about H13.25in x W19in

Includes explanation of artwork in Japanese

Specification of frame: Frame is included in standard purchase. (Without frame -US125)

Dimension of frame: H350mm x W510mm x th20mm /about H13.75in x W20in x th0.75in

Material of frame: wood + acryl

Weight of frame: 1.3kg / 2.8 pounds

Made in Japan

TITLE: BISHU FUJIMIHARA (FUJIMIHARA FIELDS IN OWARI PROVINCE)

The piece is known to have an extraordinary composition and use of geometric shapes. The artwork depicts a triangle Mt. Fuji seen from suburbs of now Nagoya from a unique angle - past an incomplete round tub accompanied by a rectangular tool box and broken checkered field. By placing the diligent worker in the middle of the artwork, a good balance and feel is maintained.

SERIES: FUGAKU SANJU ROKU KEI (THIRTY SIX VIEWS OF MT. FUJI) SERIES 1831-1833

Fugaku Sanju-roku kei, or Thirty Six Views of Mt. Fuji, is said to be the first perspective Japanese woodblock print (with few exceptions from the set) and composed of 46 known woodblock prints issued between 1831~1833. (Originally 36 with 10 later added due to its popularity.) In an era of non-perspective drawings, the artist’s achievement of using perspective is appraised. Because this series only uses 4-5 wood plates to complete one piece, which is few for woodblock print, the final quality and portraying the intended dynamics depends on the woodblock carver and printer’s dexterous craftsmanship.

ARTIST HOKUSAI KATSUSHIKA

Hokusai Katsushika’s work is detailed and meticulous yet dynamic; he who would not miss drawing in even a strand of hair on a furry wardrobe if it was necessary to complete the dynamics of the artwork as a whole. The dynamics of his picture can also be seen from the number of woodblock layers needed print one picture; his works use relatively few woodblocks.

WHAT IS A WOODBLOCK PRINT?

Woodblock print became popular in Japan in the Edo Era (1603-1868). Although it is considered a way of mass producing copies of an art, many craftsman are involved in its process, making its production complex, thus the finished product is recognized as a piece of fine artwork. Historically in Japan, Japanese did not understand its value because, to them, it was too common; not only did it take form of art, the method was also used for books, magazines and advertisements; therefore, many original woodblock prints ended up in Western countries where they took interest in exotic foreign pictures.

PRODUCTION AND ATELIER TAKAHASHI BRAND

The woodblock prints introduced here is from Atelier Takahashi who has been printing the woodblock prints since mid-1850’s. In producing a single woodblock print, the following people are involved: artist (who draws the “original” and produces the composition), wood plate carver (who delicately carves numerous wood plate in order to achieve the original drawing when printed), and printer (who applies color to the carved wood plate and transfers it to a piece of paper.). Many people only recognize the artist’s name when it comes to woodblock print, but it is the wood plate carver and the printer’s craftsmanship that allows for numerous copies of artist’s work to be distributed. The carver must not transcend the lines drawn by the artist. The printer must layer many colors to achieve the right color and also must precisely overlay the colors so that no spot goes over the drawn lines. The fine craftsmanship of carver and printer is what determines the quality woodblock print as a final product. History of Atelier Takahashi is enough to demonstrate the quality of their craftsmanship: The Second Takahashi was awarded by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1877, the Third Takahashi was invited to present his printing skills during Prince Arthur’s stay in Japan in 1890, the Fourth Takahashi presented his printing skills to General MacArthur during his term in Japan after World War II. Despite the age of digital printing, the Sixth Takahashi succeeded the name and continues to spread woodblock prints to the world.

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