Fugaku hyakkei [One hundred views of Mount Fuji].

Hanshibon, 22,9 x 16,9 cm (good set of illustrations, fuzzy impression of the two red seals and inscriptions on publisher’s pages).

In book case. Yellow covers with imprinted pattern, with title strip inscription in bluish grey. Inside book case title page: Japanese paper with title and two seals (book covers soiled, abrasions of the silk of book case).

These 3 volumes, as well as the famous “Manga”, can be seen as the most influential in the West. Katsushika Hokusai was firmly convinced that Fugaku hyakkei constituted his best collection of artwork. Each woodcut unifies the presence of Mt. Fuji, either in detail, background or in a reflected surface, with a most detailed examination of life and nature. Complete. 1.-2. 1st published 1834-35, 2nd edition (1875?. Vol. I: 26 sheets with 19 double page and 12 single page illustrations; vol. II: 26 sheets with 20 double page and 10 single page illustrations.-- 3. 1st published 1840's, 2nd edition (1876?). 26 sheets with 8 double page and 34 single page illustrations.
These 3 volumes, as well as the famous “Manga”, can be seen as the most influential in the West. Katsushika Hokusai was firmly convinced that Fugaku hyakkei constituted his best collection of artwork. Each woodcut unifies the presence of Mt. Fuji, either in detail, background or in a reflected surface, with a most detailed examination of life and nature.
Ref. Henry Smith II - Hokusai. One hundred views of Mt. Fuji. New York, 1988. - Matthi Forrer - Eirakuya Toshiro, publisher at Nagoya: A contribution to the history of publishing in the 19th century Japan. 1985, p. 175f: IIB: Impression with new title page.
Prov. Hattori (dedication of G. Huntington Williams [I had asked him for a Hokusai in Tokyo, in June, 1908!]). - G. Huntington Williams (bookplate in each vol. and bookcase). - Isabelle Williams (id.).