Series Title: Fugaku Sanju-Roku Kei Thirty Six Views of Mt. Printing method: Hand printed woodblock print. 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. 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. TITLE: KANAGAWA OKI NAMI-URA (THE GREAT WAVE OFF THE COAST OF KANAGAWA). This piece must be one of the most famous existing Japanese woodblock prints. The movement and energy of the piece is self-explanatory –splashing of the vigorous high wave and disparate boat rowers is impressive yet the eye does not miss to capture the distant Mt. SERIES: FUGAKU SANJU ROKU KEI THIRTY SIX VIEWS OF MT. 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 18311833. Originally 36 with 10 later added due to its popularity. In an era of non-perspective drawings, the artists 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 printers dexterous craftsmanship. Hokusai Katsushikas 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? 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-1850s. 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 artists name when it comes to woodblock print, but it is the wood plate carver and the printers craftsmanship that allows for numerous copies of artists 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 Arthurs 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. The item “Hokusai Woodblock Print The Great Wave off Kanagawa 36 Views of Mt. Fuji” is in sale since Monday, December 3, 2018. This item is in the category “Antiques\Asian Antiques\Japan\Prints”. The seller is “japan.net.shop” and is located in Hiroshima. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Region of Origin: Japan
• KK: KK