Katsushika Hokusai’s Ukiyo-e I will explain Inume Pass in Kai Province in Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.
This ukiyo-e Inume Pass is located in present-day Uenohara City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
The pass here was known for its excellent view of Mt. Fuji.
In this painting, Hokusai skillfully depicts the expression of Mt. Fuji, whose appearance changes depending on the height, by printing in three colors: white, indigo, and brown.
Two groups of travelers are slowly walking along the green-covered slopes while talking to each other as if enjoying the scenery of the mountains.
I can’t help but stop my eyes at the view of Mt. Fuji from the height of the pass.
A small human figure emphasizes the majestic scenery of this vista and the gradual flow of time.
Inume-juku was a post station on the Koshu road between Nodajiri-juku (Uenohara City) and Shimotorizawa-juku (Otsuki City).
This picture shows a view of Mt. Fuji from Inume Pass.
It is thought that this painting depicts the mountain pass on the way down from Inume-juku to Shimotorizawa-juku along the Katsura River.
In the local area of Inume, Hokusai is said to have painted Mt.
In front of the birthplace of Inume Hyousuke, one of the leaders of the Gunnai clan (1836), which was triggered by the Great Tenpo Famine, he stood up for the suffering people.
There is a signboard introducing Hyosuke’s achievements, and there is also a grave nearby.
Travelers and horsemen climb the mountain pass on the gentle green of Koshu-do.
In this ukiyo-e, the unprinted clouds create a distance between the slope and Mt. Fuji, suggesting that there is a valley below.
The simple composition of the acute angle of Mt. Fuji and the slanting lines of the mountain pass creates a bright and peaceful landscape.
By drawing small, you can convey the size of Mt. Fuji.
The clouds rising from the valley are expressed softly by making use of the texture of Japanese paper used in ukiyo-e prints.
This ukiyo-e is from around 1830 to 1832. Hokusai is around 72 years old.
