An exhibition opening in the United Kingdom offers a rare opportunity to view the full collection of Katsushika Hokusai’s celebrated woodblock prints, Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, for the first time in the country. The display features prints from the Iuchi Collection and runs from tomorrow through January 17.

Originally created in Edo (now Tokyo) in the early 1830s, the series includes 46 prints—an expansion from the initial thirty-six as Hokusai continued to add to the collection after recognizing its popularity. Among the best-known works is “Under the Wave Off Kanagawa,” widely referred to as The Great Wave, which depicts Mount Fuji as a small presence overshadowed by towering ocean waves.

The exhibition presents some of the earliest and finest impressions of the prints, distinguished by their clarity and detail. Over time, the wooden blocks used for printing could wear down, leading to diminished quality in later copies. Some of the most popular designs were printed thousands of times, with estimates ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 impressions.

Hokusai’s series portrays Mount Fuji from a variety of perspectives and contexts. At times, the mountain dominates the composition; in others, it serves as a backdrop to lively human and natural activities. Scenes include cherry-blossom viewing parties, reflections in calm waters, and windy days disrupting everyday life. The prints also showcase Hokusai’s inventive framing devices, such as views of the mountain seen through a waterwheel or framed by a ship’s rigging.

The images are notable for their dynamic details and subtle humor. Illustrations depict laborers, wayfarers, and animals, from horses reluctantly crossing bridges to people measuring trees, as well as densely packed oarsmen navigating turbulent waters. Interestingly, only three prints in the series lack human figures. One of the most praised scenes features cranes in the shallows and flying toward the peak, offering a serene and perhaps the most majestic depiction of Mount Fuji.

The exhibition highlights the artistic sophistication and technical skill evident in Hokusai’s work, celebrating both the cultural significance of Mount Fuji and the enduring appeal of these iconic prints.