[Hokusai Exhibition]
The "Hokusai" exhibition is currently being held at the National Museum of Western Art in Ueno. This event marks the first public unveiling of the "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" from the Iuchi Collection, which was deposited with the museum in 2024.
Dr. Iuchi, a dentist from Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, was an independent archaeological researcher and art collector. He was widely known as a private collector of not only ancient East Asian culture but also Japanese ukiyo-e, particularly the landscapes of Katsushika Hokusai. A defining characteristic of his ukiyo-e prints is that they generally consist of early-state impressions. In ukiyo-e printing, repeatedly using the woodblocks can lead to wear, tear, or even damage to the wood. However, the Iuchi Collection features numerous works printed while the woodblocks were still fresh, showcasing exceptionally sharp, fine lines. Another notable feature is that many of these prints have not undergone the common reinforcement process of having backing paper pasted to the reverse side. This allows the vivid colors of the pigments to be clearly seen from the back, while also preserving the distinct circular marks left by the baren (printing pad) where the printer applied powerful pressure. Several pieces are displayed in the venue so that they can be viewed from both the front and back.
Furthermore, alongside "Fine Wind, Clear Morning" (popularly known as the "Red Fuji"), the extremely rare, all-blue aizuri-e version colloquially known as the "Blue Fuji" is also on display. In aizuri-e (blue printed pictures), two types of indigo were utilized: "hon-ai" (natural indigo), which had been used since ancient times, and "Prussian blue," which was newly imported from the West at that time. Prussian blue is a chemically synthesized pigment. Since it was created in Berlin, it came to be known in Japan as "Bero-ai," a shortened form of "Berlin-ai." Compared to the subdued, deep blue of hon-ai previously seen in works by artists like Utamaro, Bero-ai enabled expressions of extraordinarily vivid blue. The people of that era were reportedly thrilled by the advent of this new, transparently beautiful blue, eagerly seeking out ukiyo-e prints struck with this brilliant hue. Although the exhibition period is brief, visitors can fully immerse themselves in these stunning Bero-ai works.
At our store, we offer indigo-dyed products from Indigo Classic, a brand that begins its process right from tilling the soil and sowing seeds in the land of Nara. These items are crafted through rigorous work and meticulous management that aligns with the rhythm of the indigo plants—from the post-harvest "ai-konashi" (leaf-pulverizing process) to a hundred days of "sukumo" (indigo paste) preparation and fermentation—all to harness the natural vitality of the microorganisms. We invite you to use these pieces over time and nurture your very own shade of indigo within your daily life. This is the cherished indigo hue that has been close to the hearts of the Japanese people for centuries, known as "Japan Blue." Three distinct shades of these indigo handkerchiefs are currently on display at the Ginza Showroom, and we highly encourage you to stop by.
Indigo Classic's Handkerchief
https://www.shokunin.com/en/indigo/handkerchief.html
Indigo Classic's T-Shirt
https://www.shokunin.com/en/indigo/
Indigo Classic's Stole
https://www.shokunin.com/en/indigo/stole.html
Ginza Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/ginza.html
References
https://www.nmwa.go.jp/jp/exhibitions/2026hokusai.html
https://artexhibition.jp/topics/news/20260113-AEJ2818074/
https://www.adachi-hanga.com/hokusai/page/know_6
