Circling the Crater of Fuji (Hakkai-meguri no Fuji): Half of detatched page from One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei) Vol. 3 c. 1835 - 1847

Editor: Hokusai’s "Circling the Crater of Fuji" is like a snapshot of a pilgrimage, carved in wood. The starkness makes me think of a haiku – so simple, yet something spiritual hiding in plain sight. What do you make of its quiet drama? Curator: Quiet drama, I like that! For me, it's all about Hokusai capturing that intimate connection between people and a sacred place, and those little figures emphasize the immense scale of Fuji. But, do you think the lack of color helps or hinders that feeling? Editor: Hmm, it definitely simplifies the landscape, making the journey, and maybe the spiritual quest, the real focus. Thanks, that gives me a new angle. Curator: Anytime, that's what art's all about!