Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)
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Koishikawa yuki no ashita, “Snowy Morning at Koishikawa” from Hokusai’s most celebrated set: Fugaku sanjurokkei, the “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.” The set of 46 prints published by Eijudo, c. 1830-32. Shows a party at a teahouse, at left, admiring the view of Fuji. The only snow scene from the set. Provenance: Ex Le Veel collection, sold by Ader Picard Tajan, Paris, 2nd sale, 24/10/1980, lot 76, p. 36.
Exceptionally early impression (blue outline). Fine colour and, apart from slight vertical crease, fine condition. Very full size with extra paper top and right. This design usually has a clear sky with blue gradation at top and horizon. This state with a subtly graded blue sky appears to be the earliest version (with other similar impressions in the BM [1927.0613.0.13] and MET [JP1330]). Not only does it better convey the wintry conditions but Eijudo was probably also conscious of saving money on this expensive pigment on later editions. The finest example to come onto the market for many years. Signed Zen Hokusai Iitsu hitsu.
Status: Sold