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The Bayerische Staatsbibliothek could again expand its Japanese collection by an outstanding work by Katsushika Hokusai (1760 – 1849). The new acquisition is the famous coloured woodblock print "South wind, clear sky", better known as "Red Fuji".

Coloured woodblock print "Red Fuji" from the series "36 views of Mount Fuji" by Katsushika Hokusai, 1830/31 | © BSB/Res/4 L.jap. K 405

The woodblock print is considered as one of Hokusai's iconic works and his presumably most impressive representation of Mount Fuji. The print shows the highest mountain of Japan, which is revered as sacred, at dawn in clear weather. The composition is of fascinating simplicity and powerful colour. The colours of the mountain and the blue of the sky, interrupted by white cloud strips, are of enormous intensity.

Like the "Great Wave off Kanagawa" and the "Thunderstorm in the foothills of Mount Fuji", which was acquired last year, the "Red Fuji" belongs to Hokusai's famous series "36 views of Mount Fuji". While the name Hokusai evokes predominantly the association of the "Great Wave" in the West, it is the "Red Fuji" that is considered as the artist's most formidable work in Japan itself.

Art-technological examinations carried out at the Institute of Conservation of the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek have confirmed that the newly acquired coloured woodblock print is an early, very well-preserved print from the original printing plates cut in 1830/31.

Minister of the Arts Markus Blume stresses:

The Bayerische Staatsbibliothek takes us on a discovery trip: Its collections, which are unique anyway, now boast a new gem: The "Red Fuji" by Katsushika Hokusai is an impressive specimen of East-Asian art of the 19th century and it is one of the most important Japanese works of art. I am very happy that this high-carat print could be acquired.

The Japanese collection of the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek comprises around 90,000 printed volumes, 100 manuscripts and 900 single-sheet prints. It features outstanding single pieces and contains a multitude of rare works which are richly illustrated with coloured woodblock prints.
Japanese collection

Press release for download (PDF, 157 KB) (in German)

Contact

Dr. Klaus Ceynowa
Director General
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek
Ludwigstrasse 16, 80539 München
Phone +49 89 28638-2201
ceynowa@bsb-muenchen.de

Ulrike Rehusch
Press and Public Relations
Phone +49 89 28638-2057
presse@bsb-muenchen.de

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In the shadow of the "Red Fuji". Bayerische Staatsbibliothek acquires a further main work of the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai