Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Mt. Fuji from Tagonoura, Snow Scene" (1932) by Hiroaki Takahashi, also known as Shotei, is an exceptionally serene and evocative piece of art that beautifully captures a quintessentially Japanese landscape. The painting epitomizes the ukiyo-e style, a genre of Japanese woodblock prints and paintings that flourished from the 17th through 19th centuries.

In this particular piece, Mt. Fuji is the central focus. The majestic mountain rises gracefully from the horizon, covered in a blanket of pure white snow. The soft, muted shades of blue and white convey a sense of quiet elegance and profound stillness that permeates the landscape. Its symmetrical form and imposing presence dominate the background, symbolizing strength and stability.

In the foreground, the tranquil waters of Tagonoura Bay reflect the pristine snow and the distant mountain. The smooth texture of the ice-covered water subtly contrasts with the snow-draped land, emphasizing the cold and serene winter atmosphere. Delicate tree branches, shown barren and sparse due to the winter season, frame the view, adding to the painting's balanced composition. The minimalistic details of buildings and human settlements near the water's edge suggest the harmonious coexistence of nature and humanity.

The subdued color palette, primarily consisting of cool whites, blues, and shades of gray, accentuates the wintery scene. The simplicity and economy of lines and forms reflect the tranquil essence of the landscape, making the viewer almost feel the crisp, cold air of the snowy winter day.

Artist: Hiroaki Takahashi (1871–1945), also known as Shotei, was a prominent Japanese woodblock print artist associated with the Shin-Hanga movement. The Shin-Hanga ("new prints") movement aimed to revive traditional ukiyo-e art with a modern twist, incorporating Western elements such as the effects of light and shadow.

Where the Original Painting Is Found: It is part of several private collections and is also featured in some exhibitions of Japanese prints. However, specific details about which museum holds the original can vary, so referencing the latest catalog from the museum's collection or an auction house would provide the most accurate information.

Artistic Context and Career: Takahashi, under the name Shotei, worked during a period that saw the continued popularity of ukiyo-e and its evolution into Shin-Hanga. His works are known for their refined aesthetic and technical precision. "Mt. Fuji from Tagonoura" reflects his ability to capture the Japanese landscape's delicate and serene beauty, which aligns well with the Shin-Hanga movement’s objectives.

Noteworthy Details:
- This work showcases Takahashi's masterful manipulation of color and light to evoke a tranquil, almost meditative mood.
- The painting exemplifies the traditional Japanese reverence for nature, particularly notable in the depiction of Mt. Fuji, which holds significant spiritual and cultural symbolism in Japan.
- The combination of Western influences, such as the use of perspective, with traditional Japanese techniques, underscores the cross-cultural synthesis that characterizes the Shin-Hanga movement.

Hiroaki Takahashi’s "Mt. Fuji from Tagonoura, Snow Scene" is a testament to his skill and to the enduring allure of Japanese woodblock prints. It remains a captivating example of the serene beauty that can be found in nature, captured through the lens of traditional Japanese artistry.