"Dawn at Isawa in Kai Province" from 36 views of Mt.Fuji series by Hokusai

Description : 

"甲州伊沢暁" (Kōshū Isawa no Akatsuki) captures the break of dawn in the town of Isawa, now known for its hot springs but historically a bustling post town on the Kōshū Kaidō. The sky transitions signaling the start of a new day. Mount Fuji stands majestically in the background, still cloaked in the remnants of night.

The scene is alive with the early morning activity of people and horses preparing for the day. Porters carrying loads, travelers setting off in palanquins, and horses ready for the journey fill the town, illustrating the lively atmosphere of the post town. The contrast between the awakening sky and the shadows of night emphasizes the new beginning.

This piece presents "Ura Fuji," the view of Mount Fuji from the Kōshū region, symbolizing the blend of human endeavor and the timeless presence of nature. The serene yet dynamic depiction reflects the harmonious coexistence of daily life and the natural world.

Hokusai Katsushika : 
Known simply as Hokusai, was a Japanese Ukiyo-e artist of the Edo period, active as a painter and printmaker. 
He is best known for the woodblock print series Thirty six views of Mt Fuji, which includes the iconic print The Great Wave Off Kanagawa. Hokusai was instrumental in developing Ukiyo-e from a style of portraiture largely focused on courtesans and actors into a much broader style of art that focused on landscapes, plants, and animals. His works are thought to have had a significant influence on Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monete during the wave of Japonism that spread across Europe in the late 19th century.

REPRODUCTION : In the 20th century, artists and publishers collaborated to recreate famous woodblock prints, providing them to Japanese collectors and Westerners seeking rare designs.
New blocks were made, and artisan printers painstakingly printed each color using the same method as the 19th-century originals.

Limited edition lithograph
Hand-printed, numbered 180/300 on margin.
Size : 
410mm x 600mm