Lot 729
  • 729

KATSUSHIKA HOKUSAI (1760-1849) 'TURBAN SHELL HALL OF THE FIVE-HUNDRED RAKAN TEMPLE', FROM THE SERIES 'THIRTY-SIX VIEWS OF MOUNT FUJI', ca. 1832

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 HKD
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Description

  • paper
titled Gohyaku Rakan-ji Sazai-do, publisher Nishimuraya Yohachi, Eijudo and Kiwame seals 

Condition

Good impression and colour. Center fold. Lightly trimmed top and right edge. Lightly backed on paper. Restored wormage in the sky and to one corner.
"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."

Catalogue Note

One of the emblematic print in the series, Hokusai depicts a group of visitors to the Sazai temple of the five-hundred rakans on the outskirts of modern Tokyo. The Fuji is here featured in interaction with people as they gaze from an outdoor veranda towards the sacred mountain set next to the lumber yards of Fukagawa on the horizon. Two pilgrims are resting seated after circumambulating the three storey spiralling building -hence the name turban shell or Sazai in Japanese- next to a group of visitors, among them a young boy points his finger diagonally towards the volcano accenting spatial depth. On his scarf, the coat of arms of the print editor Nishimuraya Yoachi (Eijudo). This is an early edition of the print with fresh colouring and sharp lines, the sky typically covered entirely with a subtle gradation of blue and the two red seals of the censor and the publisher showing on the lower left.