Continuing our series on Mount Fuji as a source of artistic inspiration, we now turn to its portrayal in painting.
Mount Fuji is a subject that many Japanese people, from professional artists to amateurs, have likely drawn at least once. Its iconic shape is so familiar and distinct that it can be imagined and sketched with ease. Few mountains in the world, if any, have been depicted as frequently as Mount Fuji—not only in Japan but globally.
When Did People Start Painting Mount Fuji?
The oldest surviving depiction of Mount Fuji is believed to be Shōtoku Taishi E-den (The Illustrated Biography of Prince Shōtoku), created by the Heian-period artist Hata no Chitei. While earlier folding screen paintings of Mount Fuji are mentioned in historical records, none have survived.
In Shōtoku Taishi E-den, based on the biography Shōtoku Taishi Denryaku, Prince Shōtoku is shown riding his legendary horse “Kurokoma” and ascending to the summit of Mount Fuji—a testament to the mountain’s early cultural significance.
Kamakura and Muromachi Periods: Religious Depictions
During the Kamakura period, Mount Fuji appeared in illustrated scrolls such as Ippen Shōnin E-den and Yugyō Shōnin Engi-den. By this time, depictions of Mount Fuji began to include its three peaks, which held religious significance as symbols of worship.
In the late Muromachi period, Kano Motonobu’s Silk Painting of the Fuji Mandala (Kenpon Chakushoku Fuji Mandara-zu) showed pilgrims ascending Mount Fuji from Tago no Ura to its summit. The painting also depicts climbers purifying themselves at Sengen Shrines and performing water rituals at Murayama. At the summit, each of the three peaks is shown enshrining Buddhist deities.
Another notable work from this period is Sesshū Tōyō’s Fuji San Miho Seikenji-zu. Sesshū was a Zen monk and master of ink painting whose depiction of Seikenji Temple (located in modern-day Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City), Miho no Matsubara (a scenic pine grove), and Mount Fuji became an influential composition for later artists throughout the Muromachi and Edo periods.
Edo Period: A Flourishing of Artistic Styles
Kano School Artists
In the early Edo period, Kano Tan’yū continued Sesshū’s legacy with his own Fuji San-zu. Tan’yū adopted the same composition, showing Mount Fuji from Nihondaira with Seikenji on the left and Miho no Matsubara on the right. Tan’yū was a prominent artist who served as an official painter for the Tokugawa shogunate and created numerous works for castles and temples.
Ukiyo-e Masters: Hokusai and Hiroshige
The Edo period also saw the rise of ukiyo-e woodblock prints, with Mount Fuji becoming a favorite subject for two legendary artists: Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige.
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Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849)
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One of Japan’s most celebrated ukiyo-e artists, Hokusai created over 30,000 works during his lifetime. His masterpiece Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku Sanjūrokkei) actually consists of 46 prints—10 additional “back views” (ura-Fuji) were added later.
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Among these prints, three are particularly famous:
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South Wind, Clear Sky (Gaifū Kaisei), also known as “Red Fuji”
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The Great Wave off Kanagawa (Kanagawa-oki Nami Ura)
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Rainstorm Beneath the Summit (Sanka Hakuu)
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Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858)
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Hiroshige’s works influenced Western artists like Van Gogh and Monet. His series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji (Fuji Sanjūrokkei) was published posthumously.
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In his iconic series The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō, six prints prominently feature Mount Fuji:
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Kawasaki: Rokugō Ferry
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Hiratsuka: Nawatemichi
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Hakone: Lake Ashi View
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Hara: Morning View of Mount Fuji
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Yoshiwara: Left Side View of Mount Fuji
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Yui: Satta Pass
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Hokusai’s and Hiroshige’s depictions introduced Mount Fuji to audiences worldwide, influencing Western art movements such as Impressionism.
Modern Era: Yokoyama Taikan’s Legacy
In modern times, Yokoyama Taikan (1868–1958) became synonymous with paintings of Mount Fuji. A leading figure in Japanese-style painting (Nihonga), Taikan created over 2,000 works featuring the mountain. Notable pieces include:
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Gunjo Fuji (Ultramarine Fuji)
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Shinjin (Spirit Body, another name for Mount Fuji)
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Hi Izuru Nihon (Sunrise Over Japan, presented to Emperor Showa)
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Reihō Hikaku (Sacred Peak with Flying Cranes)
Taikan’s works redefined modern depictions of Mount Fuji while preserving its spiritual essence.
Conclusion
From ancient religious scrolls to ukiyo-e masterpieces and modern Nihonga paintings, Mount Fuji has inspired countless artists across centuries. Its iconic shape continues to captivate imaginations both in Japan and around the world. As a symbol of natural beauty and cultural heritage, it remains one of history’s most painted mountains—a testament to its enduring allure.
Reference Image: Katsushika Hokusai’s South Wind, Clear Sky (Public Domain)
