Friday, February 5, 2010

Feb. 5: 36 Views of Mount Fuji


Date: 1858
Format: Oban tateye Wood cut
Classifications: ukiyo-e artist

This is the first painting: Ichikobu Bridge in the Eastern Capital



This is the 10th painting: Twilight Hill at Meguro in the Eastern Capital












This is the 15th painting: Noge and Yokohama in Musashi Province



This is the 23rd painting: The Sea of Satta in Suruga Province


This is the 33rd painting: Kogane Plain in Shimosa Province


What I think is interesting: 

The artist's father was a "hereditary retainer" of the shogun. The artist was a fire fighter (protecting Edo Castle from fire) and lived in a barracks with 30 other samurai. He likely did art to supplement his income.

The same subject was depicted earlier by the artist Katsushika Hokusai.  One of his 36 views of Mount Fuji became famous: The Great Wave off Kanagawa.

I don't think of wood block typically being so colorful and detailed in this way. . .

4 comments:

  1. Where did you find these? They're absolutely wonderful.

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  2. 2 more questions, what century are these from, and how to I make a post here? don't I need to be listed as a team member?

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  3. Now I am not sure where I found them. . . I may have it saved in my favorites on my Mac. . .I have been getting a daily art newsletter that I've sound some good things in.

    I added you to be an author. I think that should allow you to make posts.

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  4. I thought you would like like them--the seemed like your style. . .

    ReplyDelete