Katsushika HOKUSAI (1760-1849)

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Totomi sanchu, “In the Totomi Mountains” from Hokusai’s most famous set Fugaku sanju-rokkei, “Thirty-six Views of Fuji.” The set published by Nishimuraya Yohachi c. 1830-33. Originally planned as a set of 36 prints, ten more designs were added. These are called the Ura-Fuji, “Fuji from the Other Side.” These designs have a black outline, while early impressions of the first 36 are printed with a blue outline changing to black on later editions. Shows lumbermen cutting a huge log while another, lower left, sharpens a saw watched by a woman with a child strapped to her back. This set was a considerable undertaking for the publisher, especially as the relatively new pigment berurin burau, “Berlin blue” was being used which was expensive.

Very good impression, colour and condition. Very full size. Signed Saki no Hokusai Iitsu hitsu.

Status: Sold