One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei), Vol. 3 Possibly 1835 - 1836

Editor: Here we have Katsushika Hokusai's "One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji," volume three. It's a book of woodblock prints. The scene with the artisan looks so lively. What stands out to you in this piece? Curator: It's fascinating how Hokusai uses Mount Fuji, not just as a landscape feature, but as a grounding element for societal observations. The artisan, caught in his daily life, becomes part of a larger commentary on the working class and their connection to the iconic mountain. Editor: That's interesting. So, the mountain represents stability amid the changing world? Curator: Exactly! Hokusai challenges us to think about the roles of labor, identity, and national symbolism. What does it mean to find oneself in relation to such a powerful, ever-present symbol? Editor: I never thought of it that way. It adds a whole new layer to the print. Thanks!