KATSUSHIKA HOKUSAI (1760-1849) 'UMEZAWA MANOR IN SAGAMI PROVINCE', FROM THE SERIES THIRTY-SIX VIEWS OF MOUNT FUJI, ca. 1831

titled Soshu Umezawa-zai and signed, publisher Nishimuraya Yohachi

Good impression, fairly good colours, a little faded and toned. A little trimmed in height and centre fold. Archival tapes along the upper edge on the reverse.
"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 location of this view over the Mount Fuji is traditionally explained by the last character at the bottom of the upper left cartouche 'hidari' (left), which the carver would have in fact miswritten for the character 'sho' or 'zai' (manor). This would then identify the place as Umezawa Manor in modern city Ninomiya on the Tokaido road. Cranes are the most sacred birds of Japan and associated with longevity. Chinese mythology also depicts immortals riding on the back of cranes approaching the slopes of the fabled Mount Hörai, a sacred mountain believed to be in the ocean to the east of China and which Hokusai would here associate with Mount Fuji.