Utagawa Hiroshige's 36 Views Of Mount Fuji: A Journey Through Time

Utagawa Hiroshige, a renowned Japanese ukiyo-e artist, is best known for his exceptional woodblock print series "36 Views Of Mount Fuji." This collection takes viewers on a captivating journey through time, providing a unique perspective of Mount Fuji that has captivated audiences for centuries.

Discovering Utagawa Hiroshige

Born Ando Tokutaro in 1797, Hiroshige grew up in Edo, now modern-day Tokyo. Initially, he pursued a career as a fire warden, but his artistic inclination led him to study under Utagawa Toyohiro, a prominent ukiyo-e artist at the time. Hiroshige's talent quickly flourished, and he became recognized for his distinct style and ability to capture the beauty of landscapes.

Utagawa Hiroshige's 36 Views of Mount Fuji

by Andrew Forbes(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Throughout his career, Hiroshige produced numerous series of prints, but it was his "36 Views Of Mount Fuji" that brought him widespread recognition and immortalized his name in the world of ukiyo-e art.

The Inspiration Behind "36 Views Of Mount Fuji"

Mount Fuji, an iconic symbol of Japan, has long been a subject of admiration and inspiration for artists. Hiroshige was no exception, and he embarked on a personal pilgrimage to capture the mountain's essence in his prints.

The series, originally published between 1826 and 1833, consists of 46 prints in total. However, only 36 prints have survived, showcasing Hiroshige's remarkable artistic perception and his ability to convey the changing seasons and moods of Mount Fuji.

A Visual Journey Through "36 Views Of Mount Fuji"

Each print in the series offers a unique vantage point and captures Mount Fuji from various angles and settings. From bustling marketplaces to serene landscapes, Hiroshige's meticulous attention to detail transports viewers to different moments in time.

The prints showcase the different seasons, depicting the mountain beautifully contrasted against cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, snow-laden landscapes in winter, and serene lakeside scenes during summer. Their vivid colors, intricate shading, and delicate use of lines make these prints true masterpieces.

One notable depiction is "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," which is not only part of the "36 Views Of Mount Fuji" series but is also Hiroshige's most famous work. This print portrays Mount Fuji in the background, accentuating the grandeur of the wave, showcasing Hiroshige's ability to capture movement and nature's raw power.

The Enduring Impact of "36 Views Of Mount Fuji"

Utagawa Hiroshige's "36 Views Of Mount Fuji" series holds immense cultural and artistic significance. These prints not only showcase the beauty of Mount Fuji but also provide a window into the Edo period and offer insights into the daily lives of people during that time.

The series had a profound influence on western artists like Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet, who were fascinated by Japanese art. The unique perspectives and innovative composition techniques used by Hiroshige inspired these artists to approach their own work differently.

Today, Hiroshige's prints continue to be celebrated and studied worldwide. Museums around the globe feature exhibitions dedicated to his works, ensuring his legacy endures for generations to come.

Utagawa Hiroshige's "36 Views Of Mount Fuji" series is a testament to his exceptional talent and his ability to capture the essence of a subject. Through his careful attention to detail and profound understanding of landscapes, he created a collection that remains as captivating today as it was when first published.

The prints not only showcase the beauty of Mount Fuji but preserve a snapshot of Japan's history, taking viewers on a visual journey through time. Utagawa Hiroshige's masterpieces continue to captivate art enthusiasts and inspire generations of artists, solidifying his place as one of the greatest ukiyo-e artists in history.

Utagawa Hiroshige's 36 Views of Mount Fuji

by Andrew Forbes(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7126 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	60 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

‘Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji’ - in Japanese Fuji Sanjū-Rokkei - is the title of two separate and distinct series of woodblock prints by the Japanese ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858),also often known as Andō Hiroshige, depicting Mount Fuji in differing seasons and times from a variety of different places and perspectives more than 150 years ago.

The 1852 series was made in landscape orientation and was obviously influenced by the earlier similarly titled series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji by the master artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) which was published between 1826 and 1833. By contrast, the 1858 series are set in portrait orientation.

In this volume Cognoscenti Books offer the full 1858 series of 36 prints, together with 6 supplementary prints and an essay on the Life and Times of Utagawa Hiroshige. The ukiyo-e woodblock prints are all high quality and in full colour. 43 historical images.