Fine Wind, Clear Morning, also known as Red Fuji, stands as one of Hokusai's most compelling depictions of Mount Fuji from his Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series. Created using the woodblock printing technique (ukiyo-e), the artwork captures a moment when late summer morning light bathes the mountain in a reddish hue. The simple yet striking composition features the mountain's distinctive cone shape against a deep blue sky, with delicate clouds stretching across the upper portion of the print.
Hokusai created this piece during Japan's Edo period when he was in his seventies, demonstrating his mature artistic vision and deep connection to Mount Fuji. The mountain appears majestic yet approachable, rendered in a rich reddish-brown that suggests the morning light of late summer when the mountain is relatively free of snow. The artist's use of Prussian blue pigment, a relatively new material in Japan at the time, creates a dramatic contrast with the mountain's warm tones.
The work reflects both Hokusai's personal obsession with Mount Fuji and the broader spiritual significance of the mountain in Japanese culture. His innovative use of colour gradation (bokashi) and precise line work showcases the sophisticated printing techniques of the period. The composition's seeming simplicity belies its careful construction - the mountain occupies the perfect amount of space to create a sense of grandeur without overwhelming the viewer, while the subtle clouds add movement and depth to the scene. This piece particularly resonates with viewers for its ability to capture the ephemeral quality of a specific moment while conveying the mountain's timeless presence.
