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

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

Publisher: Nishimuraya Yohachi (Eijudô)

Condition: A tiny repaired crack in the upper section of the print, above the title, nearly invisible. A couple of pin holes in the center of the print, else very fine. Excellent colors, impression and overall condition.

Notes: This is an important print from the 36 views of Mt Fuji series. There are two known stage 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.

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

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.