Exhibitions
Summer Holiday Exhibition – Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji
2017.07.21(Fri) - 2017.08.29(Tue)
Overview
For over 70 years during his long life, Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) accomplished artistic creativity in new genres such as kyōka ehon (illustrated books of humorous poems), yomihon (novels), etehon (art manuals), nishiki-e (brocade pictures) and brush paintings. His influence stretched across oceans during his lifetime to even reach Europe, and inspired many of the Impressionist artists.
The Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji is one of his most celebrated works, published by Nishimura Eijudō in around 1831. Backed by the popular movement of the time to worship the mountain, this series of prints enjoyed immense success. He employs extraordinary compositions, and effects impressive color rendering using Berlin Blue, chemically prepared ink imported from Europe. This series is a masterpiece that established a new genre known as the ukiyo-e landscape prints, consisting of 46 prints (of which 10 prints, known as ura-fuji, literally “shadow Fuji”―collectors’ exclusives, were added following the initial acclaim). The collection held at MOA Museum of Art is a rare complete set, notably with an exceptional print of the South Wind, Clear Sky (popularly known as “Red Fuji”) in excellent condition.
The Summer Holiday Exhibition presents this complete series – 46 prints of the Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, a rare occasion that offers the full experience of Hokusai’s masterpieces, that are enjoyed by all generations.
HIGHLIGHTS
１．The entire series—46 prints of the Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji—on display
(first time in three years)
The forty-six prints of the Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji depict this iconic mountain of Japan with its varying expressions in different seasons, perspectives and weather conditions. A complete set of the series is a rare collection. In the exhibition, all prints, including the “famous three”—South Wind, Clear Sky, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, and Rainstorm Beneath the Summit—are presented together for the first time in three years.
The refurbished gallery equipped with anti-reflective high-transparency glass allows visitors to appreciate the finesse and fine details of each work. Photos are permitted.*
２．Icing on the cake—South Wind, Clear Sky of incomparable quality
The South Wind, Clear Sky in the MOA Museum of Art collection is considered to be one of Hokusai’s early impressions, exhibiting subtle gradation from the foot to the middle of Mount Fuji, with an equally exquisite finish to the pale sky. This is one of the best-quality articles among existing copies of South Wind, Clear Sky. It showcases the finesse of printing and excellent condition of the series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji to be admired.
３．Parallel exhibition of the Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō by Hiroshige
A selection of approximately 20 prints from the Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō in the Hōeidō edition is also on exhibit. Utagawa Hiroshige was one of the artists who were inspired by Hokusai and his works, such as the Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji. The exhibition presents these two exemplary works that represent the ukiyo-e landscape prints from the latter part of the Edo period (mid-19th century).
４．A variety of participatory events for families and children
Activities and participatory events are organized during the exhibition, which coincides with the school summer holidays. From Friday, July 21 to Tuesday, August 29, 2017, children and families are invited to take part in our Quiz Rally, Family Workshop on Noh Theater, and many more side events. Further details of these events can be found on the Museum website.