The Story Behind

By Katsushika Hokusai

A masterful example of Ukiyo-e woodblock printing, capturing a vibrant scene of daily life with Mount Fuji majestically in the background. The artwork depicts travelers and a packhorse navigating a path beside a body of water, with the distinct vertical lines of timber structures indicating a bridge or construction site. Hokusai's keen observation of human activity and natural landscape is evident in the detailed rendering of the figures, their traditional attire, and the lush surrounding foliage. The use of rich blues for the water and varying greens for the trees, set against the soft ochres of the land and a pale sky, creates a harmonious and serene atmosphere. This print, part of his famous series, not only showcases the beauty of the Japanese landscape but also offers a glimpse into the Edo period's culture and daily routines.