Wajima Lacquerware: Sake bowl with Hokusai painting - South Wind, Clear Sky

South Wind, Clear Sky

This painting, considered Hokusai's greatest masterpiece, is also extremely famous worldwide. Among the "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," it is counted as one of the three major masterpieces, along with "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" and "Rainstorm Beneath the Summit."

The shape of Mount Fuji, which resembles a fan spreading out, and its association with the idea of immortality (Fuji = "immortality") symbolize longevity. The depicted sardine clouds represent a bountiful catch, and it is said that Mount Fuji has the power to fulfill wishes such as "avoiding disasters" and "prosperous business." Therefore, it is popular to display paintings of "Red Fuji" for their luck-bringing effect.