Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)

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One of the most majestic landscape sets: Shokoku takimeguri, “Travelling Around the Waterfall Country.” A series of eight waterfalls, this being the Kiyo fall: Tokaido Sakanoshita, Kiyotaki Kannon, “The Kiyo Waterfall, Kannon Shrine at Sakanoshita on the Tokaido.” This fall descends in rivulets rather than a torrent. Shows pilgrims visiting the Kannon ( God of Mercy ) Buddhist cave to the right of the waterfall. Published by Eijudo, c 1832. Interestingly, there is a clever set of copies of this set, fully discussed in Oriental Art, Summer 1972, vol. XVIII, no. 2, pp. 141 – 147 by Roger Keyes.

Fine early impression. Fine colour. Very full size with only minor trimming top left: These designs are martyrs to trimming being slightly over-sized and few impressions are truly full size. Later impressions introduced a yellow-orange top right which spoils the harmony of the print, and the subtle gradation on the left is lost. Signed Zen Hokusai Iitsu hitsu.

Status: Sold