Fuji with Rafts in the Rushes (RochÅ« ikada no Fuji): Detached page from One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei) Vol. 1 Possibly 1834 - 1835

Editor: Hokusai's "Fuji with Rafts in the Rushes" is a woodblock print that feels so peaceful, yet a bit unsettling with the faceless figures. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: The rushes, obscuring our view, evoke a sense of mystery and the ephemeral nature of life. The faceless figures become archetypes, representing humanity's relationship with nature. Does the presence of Fuji, though faint, suggest a sense of timelessness? Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't thought about the figures as archetypes. Curator: Hokusai often used simplified forms to convey deeper meanings. Consider how Mount Fuji itself functions as a symbol of stability. Editor: I guess that makes sense. The symbolism definitely gives me a lot to think about. Curator: Indeed. It enriches the image and our understanding of Hokusai’s world view.