Katsushika Hokusai’s Ukiyo-e I will explain Sea Route off Kazusa Province in Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.
Kazusa in this ukiyo-e refers to the present-day central and southern part of Chiba Prefecture.
There were many ports in this area during the Edo period, and it was bustling with shipping on Edo Bay, which connected it to Edo. “
50-500 masonry small cargo ships called ‘Godairiki-bune’ or ‘Benzaisen’ mainly carried rice.
It depicts the Kisarazu ship that transported cargo and passengers between Edo and Kisarazu.
The ship in the background looks much smaller, but the sails and bow are the same as the ship in the foreground.
Two ships of the same type are drawn with elaborate depictions. The faces of the three men, who must be passengers, can be seen through the side windows.
Judging from the size of the men’s faces, this ship is over ten meters long.
Mt.Fuji is placed small beyond the sail that draws a large arc.
Hokusai’s Ukiyo-e draws a circular horizon, learning from the West that the earth is round.
This ukiyo-e is from around 1830 to 1832. Hokusai is around 72 years old.