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Katsushika Hokusai — Shinshu Suwako (Lake Suwa in Shinano Province)
Katsushika Hokusai

Shinshu Suwako (Lake Suwa in Shinano Province)

This woodblock print from Hokusai's celebrated series "Thirty Six Views of Mount Fuji" depicts Lake Suwa in Shinano Province with the artist's characteristic use of Prussian blue and dynamic compositional perspective. The work showcases a bird's eye vantage point looking down at the lake's distinctive shape, with Mount Fuji visible in the distant background, exemplifying the series' innovative approach to landscape representation. Hokusai employs dramatic spatial recession and decorative patterning in the foreground to create a sense of immense depth, transforming an everyday geographic subject into a striking visual experience.

Notes

LOT ESSAY Lake Suwa, the largest lake in Shinshu province, is portrayed with two pine trees and a small shrine in the foreground. In the distance, the majestic Mount Fuji, Yatsugatake, and Takashima Castle contribute to the enchanting scenic view. The unique composition skillfully emphasizes the large scale and depth of the lake.

🔨 Auction Lot

Japanese and Korean Art

March 24, 2026

Estimate: $10,000$20,000

Lot 80

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About this work

Katsushika Hokusai, Shinshu Suwako (Lake Suwa in Shinano Province)

This woodblock print from Hokusai's celebrated series "Thirty Six Views of Mount Fuji" depicts Lake Suwa in Shinano Province with the artist's characteristic use of Prussian blue and dynamic compositional perspective. The work showcases a bird's eye vantage point looking down at the lake's distinctive shape, with Mount Fuji visible in the distant background, exemplifying the series' innovative approach to landscape representation. Hokusai employs dramatic spatial recession and decorative patterning in the foreground to create a sense of immense depth, transforming an everyday geographic subject into a striking visual experience.

Seen at
Christie's, London, United Kingdom

Related themes

Serene, Lake Suwa, Ukiyo-e, Japanese Artist, Landscape, Shinano Province, Nature Study, Edo Period, Woodblock Print, Horizontal Composition

More works by Katsushika Hokusai

Collected by

Art Institute of Chicago