Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) Gaifu kaisei, variante bleue du Mont Fuji rouge

Oban yoko-e de la série des Fugaku sanjyurokkei (Trente-six vues du Mont Fuji), signée Hokusai aratame iitsu hitsu



Condition: fine impression and colour, Slightly soiled, with a central fold.

Delay p. 211 (épreuve H.Berès) - UTSS vol. 13 2-2

The condition is good with the exception of light soiling overall and the central fold showing on the illustration which has been well soften and cleaned (the print is all flat, and the mark where the central fold once was is actually somewhat paler than the illustration would suggest). The dimension of this print 25.2 x 37.4 cm versus the dimension of the Berès collection example (sold in our rooms on 25th November 2003, lot 89, 25.6 x 37.4 cm) indicates that it has been very slightly trimmed vertically. The purple in the clouds is better preserved and less faded than on the Berès version. Some foxing in one place on the Fuji (showing on the illustration) and little pencil marks to the lower right corner and obove the fuji along the right edge.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

First edition in aizuri-e (blue monochrome). One of the most sought after design in the series, this version has been printed without the contour line around the Fuji. Compare another example of this extremely rare print from the Berès collection, sold in our rooms 25th November 2003, lot 89. Now in the collections of the Musée national des Arts asiatiques -Guimet, Paris. Another recorded example from the Takahashi Seiichirô collection is in the Keio University Museum.