36 Views of Mt Fuji # 11 Temple at Asakusa by Hokusai Blue Outline

Artist: Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849)

Woodblock Prints Title: Hongan-ji Temple at Asakusa in Edo (Tôto Asakusa hongan-ji), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjûrokkei)

1st Publication: Christmas 1830

Size: Horizontal ôban; 25 x 38 cm (9 13/16 x 14 15/16 in.)

Date of this edition: Christmas 1830, 1st Edition, 2nd state.

Publisher: Nishimuraya Yohachi (Eijudô)

Condition: Patch repair in the lower left corner from another print, somewhat blending. Some stains. A thin area in the sky area. Excellent colors and impression, poor to fair overall condition.

Notes: This is an important print from the 36 views of Mt Fuji series. There are two known states of this print : The blue outline, where the title is written in blue, and the borders around the title are also blue, and the black outline, more colorful, with black ink on the title and border. The blue outline is the earliest version and the most sought after.

The 1st state has the Kyte in Blue and the kiwame seal in black, the second state has the kyte in salmon color and the seal in red.

This print was part of the second set of 5 prints made right after the pure aizuri-e, and are known as semi aizuri-e print. They are almost all blue, with a hint of salmon color and green. A similar one is visible from the Museum of Fine art in Boston HERE

Pictures: Pictures are taken outdoor, in the shade, to reflect true colors, without any enhancements of any kind. The last picture is taken indoor, with a light behind the print, to reveal the exact paper grain, holes if any, or other possible flaws.