Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji — After Utagawa Hiroshige

Artist: After Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese, 1797–1858)
Date: Original design c. 1858 (Reproduction Date: Late 20th Century)
Medium: Woodblock Print (Nishiki-e) on Paper
Dimensions: Approximately 14 x 9.5 inches (Oban size)

This striking vertical landscape, titled “Mount Fuji from the Pine Forest of Miho in Suruga Province,” is a reproduction of one of the most iconic designs from Hiroshige’s final major series, “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” (1858). The composition showcases Hiroshige’s mastery of perspective, featuring a winding path in the foreground lined with gnarled, ancient pine trees that frame the majestic, snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji in the distance. The scene captures a tranquil moment of travel during the Edo period, with tiny figures of pilgrims or travelers visible along the trail, emphasizing the immense scale of the sacred mountain.

As a print “After Utagawa Hiroshige,” this piece is a meticulously crafted, re-carved woodblock reproduction, likely produced by a prestigious 20th-century publisher such as Adachi or Uchida. These editions were created using traditional methods, hand-carving new blocks to match the original 19th-century designs to preserve the vibrant indigo blues and delicate bokashi (color gradation) in the sky and horizon. This specific view of Miho no Matsubara is highly regarded for its “white sand and green pines” motif, a classic theme in Japanese poetry and art that symbolizes longevity and spiritual purity.