About the Artist
Kazumasa Ogawa was a pioneering Japanese photographer and publisher of the Meiji era, renowned for his role in elevating photography as an art form in Japan. Working during a time of rapid modernization, Ogawa helped shape the visual identity of Japan for both domestic and international audiences, blending Western photographic techniques with Japanese aesthetics.
He is especially noted for his mastery of the collotype process and the art of hand-coloring photographs, which brought a refined, painterly quality to his images. For more examples of this approach, explore our vintage photography prints and curated famous artists collections.
The Artwork
This view of Mount Fuji from Kashiwabara was created during a period when iconic landscapes were used to express national identity and pride. Mount Fuji, long celebrated in Japanese poetry and pilgrimage, became a powerful symbol of unity and tradition as Japan entered the modern era.
Ogawa's work catered to the Meiji fascination with capturing and sharing images of significant places, often as keepsakes for travelers or collectors. The inclusion of boats in the foreground introduces a human element, suggesting daily life unfolding beneath the enduring presence of the mountain. As a vintage Mount Fuji print, it embodies both cultural heritage and a contemplative sense of place.
Style & Characteristics
This print features photographic clarity softened by delicate hand-coloring, resulting in gentle transitions and a harmonious palette. The composition layers tranquil water and small boats in the foreground, leading the eye toward the majestic rise of Mount Fuji in the background.
Soft blues and greens are complemented by beige and warm brown tones, with touches of white that lend an airy quality to the scene. The overall mood is serene and reflective, making it an ideal example of Japanese landscape art. For similar color palettes, see our blue tone wall art and landscape prints.
In Interior Design
This vintage Japanese print brings a sense of calm to spaces such as bedrooms, reading nooks, entryways, or serene home offices. Its balanced composition and open sky make it a versatile anchor for gallery walls that blend photography with classic art prints.
Pair it with natural materials like wood and linen for a Japandi or modern classic interior, or display it alongside textured ceramics for a softer, collected atmosphere. The artwork harmonizes with blue, green, beige, and white color schemes, and suits those seeking timeless Mount Fuji decor.
