"Gotenyama hill, Shinagawa on the Tokaido" from 36 views of Mt.Fuji series by Hokusai

Description : 

Gotenyama Hill in Shinagawa, located along the Tōkaidō Road, was a site of historical and scenic significance. Initially, it hosted the Shogunate's Shinagawa Residence (Shinagawa Goten). Over time, cherry trees were planted on the hill, transforming it into a popular spot where visitors could enjoy the simultaneous beauty of Mount Fuji and the cherry blossoms.
During the peak cherry blossom season, the hill would be bustling with activity. People laid out mats to hold banquets, others spread fans and danced, and couples enjoyed the cherry blossoms with children on their backs. This scene is a timeless depiction of the joys of hanami (flower viewing) that continues to this day.
Part of the delight in Hokusai’s artwork lies in observing the gestures of the people depicted and discovering hidden symbols and text throughout the scene.

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