South Wind, Clear Sky (Gaifu kaisei), also known as Red Fuji, from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjurokkei). Artist: Katsushika Hokusai (Japanese, Tokyo (Edo) 1760-1849 Tokyo (Edo)). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: Oban 10 x 14 7/8 in. (25.4 x 37.8 cm). Date: ca. 1830-32.
Mount Fuji is said to have a reddish hue at dawn in early autumn. Known as "Red Fuji," this print presents Hokusai's uncompromising vision of Mount Fuji without a human presence. The majestic snow-capped Mount Fuji embodies an iconic spirituality that approaches the religious. Trees are reduced to tiny triangles of green stretching along Fuji's base, and the blue sky with a white-paper-like pattern of clouds adds a decorative flourish to the design.
Technique/matériel:
Polychrome woodblock print; ink and color on paper