Fuji in Deep Snow (Shinsetsu no Fuji): Half of detatched page from One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei) Vol. 3 c. 1835 - 1847

Curator: Hokusai's "Fuji in Deep Snow," a woodblock print, is a detached page from his "One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji." Editor: The stark contrast immediately strikes me. It's a study in textures – the blizzard above against the densely speckled earth below. Curator: Hokusai uses the motif of Mount Fuji to understand the social narratives of 19th century Japan. Common folk pilgrimage to the mountain, yet nature dominates. Editor: Yes, observe how the diagonal of the snow-covered mountain bisects the composition. It creates a dynamic tension between the human and natural elements. Curator: Consider the figures, anonymous beneath their hats. They represent the countless individuals whose lives are shaped by the mountain's imposing presence. Editor: Indeed. The minimal color palette – the grays and whites – amplifies the sense of isolation and the overwhelming power of the natural world. The small size makes us lean in closer to observe nature and humanity. Curator: It reminds us of the intersection between nature, identity, and the sacred within Japanese culture. Editor: The composition is a testament to Hokusai's mastery of form and his acute sensitivity to natural phenomena.