Fuji Under Clear Skies (Kasei no Fuji): Detached page from One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei) Vol. 1 Possibly 1834 - 1835

Editor: So, this is Hokusai's "Fuji Under Clear Skies," from his "One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji." The monochromatic palette and the almost abstract rendering of the landscape give it such a stark and serene mood. What stands out to you? Curator: I think it’s vital to remember that Hokusai made this series relatively late in life, a period marked by personal hardship. Considering that, this image speaks to a reclamation of cultural identity following periods of socio-political upheaval in Japan. How does this resonate with you? Editor: I hadn’t considered that. So the simplification isn't just aesthetic, it's also a kind of... resistance? Curator: Precisely. It’s a return to the essence of what it meant to be Japanese, especially in relation to landscape and spirituality. Editor: That gives me a whole new perspective. It's not just a pretty picture; it's a statement. Curator: Absolutely. Art often operates within these layered socio-political contexts. Editor: It’s amazing to see how those layers can completely transform a piece. Curator: Indeed. Always remember to look beyond the surface.