Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a classic Japanese woodblock-printed book (ehon) containing Katsushika Hokusai's legendary 'One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji' (Fugaku Hyakkei), specifically the first volume (Shoban). Regarded as one of the masterpieces of Japanese monochrome and light-color printing, it showcases Hokusai's unparalleled draftsmanship and his obsession with the sacred mountain.
Story
Published in 1834 when Hokusai was 74, this series represents the artist's spiritual obsession with Mount Fuji as a symbol of immortality. He famously wrote in the postscript that nothing he drew before age 70 was worthy of notice, hoping that by 110, every dot and line would come alive.
Maker / Origin
Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) was a towering figure of the Ukiyo-e movement whose work, including 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa', forever changed global art. He was a restless genius who changed his name over 30 times and lived in dozens of homes, constantly seeking artistic perfection. His dynamic compositions and expressive figures heavily influenced the French Impressionists and modern manga.
Condition & Value
The cover shows minor creasing, light staining, and edge wear consistent with age. The interior pages appear clean with crisp printing, minimal foxing, and intact binding thread. Excellent preservation of the delicate pinkish-grey block tones. Value is highly dependent on the specific edition and printing date.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.