Fuji with a Belt (Untai Fuji): Detached page from One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei) Vol. 1 Possibly 1834 - 1835

Editor: This woodblock print, "Fuji with a Belt," by Hokusai, part of his *One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji*, presents a striking scene. The monochrome palette and dynamic composition with the ox crossing the bridge create a sense of rustic energy. What can you tell us about how this image was received? Curator: Hokusai’s series gained immense popularity. Consider how Mount Fuji was not only a sacred symbol but also a carefully cultivated national icon. Prints like these democratized access to this symbol. How do you think the portrayal of everyday life alongside Fuji contributed to its appeal? Editor: Perhaps it made Fuji more relatable, less of a distant ideal? Curator: Precisely. It situated the mountain within the lived experiences of the populace, reflecting a shift in the social and political landscape that embraced broader participation in cultural narratives. Editor: That’s fascinating; I hadn’t considered the democratization aspect. Curator: Understanding the socio-political context enriches our appreciation of Hokusai's work.