South Wind, Clear Dawn (Gaifu kaisei), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjurokkei)

Katsushika Hokusai

ca. 1830-32

Woodblock print; ink and color on paper

Seattle Art Museum

This woodblock print, commonly known as "Red Fuji," depicts the iconic conical form of Mount Fuji illuminated by morning light. This woodblock print, commonly known as "Red Fuji," depicts the iconic conical form of Mount Fuji illuminated by morning light. Mount Fuji, the most recognizable landmark in Japan, is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhist and Shinto practitioners. Hokusai, best known for his captivating designs of woodblock prints, created a series of thirty-six views of the mountain, showing it in different seasons, at different times of day, and from various angles. This print is commonly known as “Red Fuji.” It not only represents the iconic conical form of the mountain when it is illuminated by morning light but also is an icon in its own right.