So here we are, at the end of our investigation of ‘The Mystique of the Japanese Print,’ and we are closing exactly the way we opened - with a Hokusai image of Mt. Fuji! It is taken from his magnificent volume ‘100 Views of Fuji,’ which I have always admired.

Hokusai’s title is simply ‘Mt. Fuji in the Window,’ saying nothing about the man we see at the desk. When I first saw this image, my interpretation of what I was seeing followed that of most early commentators; it seemed clear to me that he was throwing his arms in the air in a joyous reaction to the wonderful sight - a flock of birds flying across the face of the mountain, turning it into a ‘living scroll painting’ in the circular window.

When I talked with other people though, especially Japanese viewers, I found that they were of the opinion that he was simply stretching and yawning. And that because of this, he was missing the spectacular view!

Thinking about what we know of Hokusai’s character, I can well believe that he would do something playful like that, but I myself am not convinced that this is a ‘correct’ interpretation. There is one ‘trick’ you can use to help you think about what is happening here: turn the print upside down. Now what do you think of the man’s expression? A yawn, or a joyous shout? It will be up to you to provide your own interpretation.

And I think that is not a bad place for us to leave this series. With this very limited selection - only 18 small prints! - I have attempted to introduce you to some of the things that I myself find most attractive about traditional Japanese prints. I hope you have not only enjoyed the journey along the way, but have perhaps learned a few things too.

One final thing to point out. The paper on which these prints have been made will last literally hundreds of years, so the ‘treasure’ that you have helped me to create will still be bringing pleasure to viewers long after both you and I are gone. At the moment, it is yours to enjoy, but remember that you are only a caretaker; please take care of it well, and send it off to the future in good condition!

David

January 2012