"Thunderstorm Beneath the Summit" from 36 views of Mt.Fuji series by Hokusai

Description : 

"山下白雨" (Sanka Hakū) captures a dramatic summer scene featuring a sudden, intense rainstorm, known as a "white rain" or "hakū." The lower part of the image is filled with an ominous darkness, representing the profound depths of human experience. A striking lightning bolt cuts through this blackness, creating a stark contrast.

In juxtaposition to this dark, stormy section, the upper part of the scene showcases bright blue skies adorned with auspicious clouds. This contrast between the dark, stormy lower half and the serene, bright upper half symbolizes a dichotomy akin to heaven and hell.

This piece, often referred to as "Black Fuji," contrasts with "Red Fuji" (凱風快晴, Gaifū Kaisei). "山下白雨" is considered one of the three most significant works in Hokusai's series, highlighting its importance and the dramatic impact of its composition.

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