KATSUSHIKA HOKUSAI (1760-1849) 'A VIEW OF MT. FUJI BENEATH THE MANNEN BRIDGE IN FUKAGAWA', FROM THE SERIES 'THIRTY-SIX VIEWS OF MOUNT FUJI', ca. 1831

titled Fukagawa Mannen-bashi shita and signed, publisher Nishimuraya Yohachi

Fairly good impression and colours, slightly toned and faded. Center fold.
"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."

The Fuji is here depicted from a viewpoint set below the Mannen bridge arching over the Konakigawa river which is a small stream flowing into the Sumida river in the Fukagawa district of Edo. Here again as in all other designs in the series, Hokusai follows the precepts of Western art perspective, all lines converging towards the single tower in the centre of the scene below the bridge. Yet the artist deliberately ignores some of the perspective rules, somehow ‘flattening’ the surface of the composition –for example the placing of the boat in the forefront- in a graphic approach that will later be of great influence on modern western art.