Katsushika Hokusai, “Koshu Misaka Suimen” from the series “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji”

“Koshu Misaka Suimen” (Katsushika Hokusai’s Water Surface at Misaka, Kai Province) from the series “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji,” by Katsushika Hokusai.

A landscape depicting Mount Fuji seen above a calm expanse of water in which its silhouette is reflected. The composition, designed by Katsushika Hokusai, is part of one of the most famous series in the history of Japanese art.

The scene combines the grandeur of nature with everyday life—a small boat and the village buildings contrast with the majesty of the mountain. Hokusai’s characteristic use of symmetry and reflections in the water lends the depiction a unique, almost meditative quality.

Artist: Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849)

Technique: color woodblock print (nishiki-e)
Date: 1960s
Dimensions: 31.5 × 20.2 cm.

The series “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” remains one of the most recognizable and highly regarded achievements of ukiyo-e.