Mt. Fuji Worship
Among the “Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji”, “Groups of Mountain Climbers” is the only one depicting Mt. Fuji without its distinctive shape. Perhaps Hokusai wanted to portray the rugged aspect of Mt. Fuji rather than its beauty.
From ancient times, Japanese people revered mountains, developing a tradition of mountain worship, with Mt. Fuji, with its exceptional grandeur, beauty, and sanctity, becoming a focal point.
During the Edo period (1603–1868), worship of Mt. Fuji developed, advocating that ‘high or low, rich or poor, all people can be saved by worshipping and climbing Mt. Fuji.’ By the time Hokusai completed his “Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji”, it had pervaded every corner of Edo city.
The people in the painting are climbing Mt. Fuji as a solemn act of faith. That might be why there is no apparent sense of joy among those who have reached the summit.
If you are interested in Japanese culture, the books below are the perfect companion for you!
Hokusai’s Mt.Fuji in English and Japanese
Large size (B4 extended format), 36 pages
before-tax price: ￥2,000
You can enjoy the masterpieces created by the ukiyo-e master of the Edo period, which feature Mt. Fuji while gaining insights into the people’s daily lives at the time.
Choju Giga in English and Japanese
Large size (B4 extended format), 36 pages
before-tax price: ￥2,000
Choju Giga, often considered the origin of manga, was handed down for 900 years in a temple in Kyoto. It contains vivid depictions of animals engaged in lively antics.
