Red Fuji, Aka Fujiyama Volcano Katsushika Hokusai Desk Mat

The scene captured in the Japanese woodblock print, "Fine Wind, Clear Morning" (also known as "Red Fuji" or "Aka Fuji"), is a breathtaking display of Mount Fuji bathed in the vibrant hues of sunrise. This artwork is part of Katsushika Hokusai's famed series, "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," created between 1830 and 1832. --- A woodblock print, also known as mokuhanga (木版画) in Japanese, is a unique art form created by carving a design onto a block of wood. The raised portions of the woodblock are then inked, and pressed onto paper to transfer the image. This technique results in prints known for their bold lines, stark contrasts, and flat areas of colour. --- Hokusai's "Red Fuji" masterfully utilises this technique. The majestic Mount Fuji dominates the scene, its peak capped with pristine snow that gleams against the clear blue sky. Wispy clouds drift across the azure expanse, hinting at a gentle breeze. The most striking aspect of the print is the mountain itself, bathed in a fiery red that evokes the burning embers of dawn. This dramatic use of colour is a hallmark of Hokusai's work and infuses the scene with an almost mythical quality. --- The foothills of Mount Fuji unfurl like a tapestry of lush green, suggesting dense forests teeming with life. This verdant blanket contrasts beautifully with the stark beauty of the snow-capped peak, adding depth and dimension to the scene. Here, beneath the watchful gaze of Mount Fuji, an ecosystem thrives, its rich foliage hinting at the hidden wonders that unfold at the mountain's base. This verdant tapestry conceals a legendary forest known as Aokigahara Jukai (青木ヶ原樹海), which translates to "Sea of Trees" in English. This vast expanse of trees is not only renowned for its beauty but also shrouded in folklore. --- Legend whispers of the Aokigahara Jukai being a place imbued with a spiritual energy, some say even a melancholic one. Folklore tells of yurei (幽霊), vengeful spirits, who linger amongst the dense trees. Whether truth or campfire tale, the Aokigahara Jukai's dense foliage and unusual magnetic properties, which can cause compasses to malfunction, contribute to its mysterious aura. --- Part of 36 Views of Mount Fuji series by Artist Katsushika Hokusai dating from 1830 to 1832. The author died in 1849, this work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 100 years or fewer.