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

"Mount Fuji from Lake Yamanaka" (c. 1920s) is an exquisite woodblock print created by Hiroaki Takahashi, also known as Shotei. Takahashi was a prominent Japanese artist born in Tokyo in 1871, during the Meiji period, and he played a significant role in the Shin-Hanga (New Prints) movement.

The painting portrays the serene, almost ethereal beauty of Mount Fuji as viewed from Lake Yamanaka, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. The composition is masterful in its simplicity and balance. Mount Fuji, with its iconic symmetrical cone shape, dominates the central background of the print. The majesty of the mountain is accentuated by its snow-capped peak, which contrasts strikingly with the lower, dark, and shadowy slopes.

In the foreground, we see the calm waters of Lake Yamanaka reflecting the serene landscape. The lake’s surface acts as a mirror, doubling the scene’s tranquil ambiance. Along the shoreline and partially extending into the lake, delicate foliage and sparse clusters of trees add a touch of life and movement to the scene, while also framing the mountain elegantly.

The sky above Fuji is depicted with subtle gradations of color, suggesting either dawn or twilight. These gentle hues contribute to the painting's tranquil and contemplative mood. To the left of Mount Fuji, there appears to be a single traditional wooden boat with a lone figure, which adds a narrative element to the composition. This diminutive figure contrasts sharply with the monumental presence of the mountain, emphasizing humanity's small scale in comparison to nature.

Hiroaki Takahashi was an accomplished artist known for his woodblock prints and contributions to the Shin-Hanga movement. Born in 1871, he was trained in traditional Japanese painting before moving to woodblock prints. His works exhibit a blend of traditional ukiyo-e techniques with modern Western stylistic influences, which was a hallmark of the Shin-Hanga movement. This movement aimed to revive traditional woodblock printing while incorporating contemporary elements and appealing to Western audiences.

"Mount Fuji from Lake Yamanaka" is a model example of Takahashi's adeptness in capturing the natural beauty of Japan with a sense of tranquility and contemplation. This particular print showcases his skill in using color and composition to evoke a serene and harmonious natural landscape, a common theme in his works during the height of his career in the 1920s.

The original print of "Mount Fuji from Lake Yamanaka" can be found in various collections around the world, particularly in institutions that preserve Japanese art or Shin-Hanga works. Some notable museums include the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston (MFA Boston) and the Art Institute of Chicago, which both hold significant collections of Shin-Hanga prints.

- Technique: The piece is a woodblock print, utilizing traditional Japanese techniques with exceptional attention to detail in the gradation of colors and the meticulous depiction of natural elements.
- Artistic Movement: It is part of the Shin-Hanga movement, which sought to modernize traditional Japanese woodblock prints by incorporating elements of Western art, such as the use of light and shadow.
- Compositional Elements: The painting’s balanced composition and use of natural elements create a harmonious and peaceful scene, which is quintessential of Takahashi's style and thematic focus.
- Cultural Symbolism: Mount Fuji is a recurring motif in Japanese art and culture, representing not only natural beauty but also spiritual and cultural significance.

In summary, "Mount Fuji from Lake Yamanaka" epitomizes Takahashi's craftsmanship and his role in the Shin-Hanga movement, capturing the timeless charm of Japan's landscapes while reflecting contemporary artistic trends of the early 20th century.