Imagine stumbling upon a world of art that captivates your heart and soul. This is the story of Jitendra V. Singh, an esteemed professor who spent decades pursuing his passion for collecting the renowned Japanese printmaker Katsushika Hokusai’s work. Singh’s dream of owning a complete set of “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji,” a series that showcases Hokusai’s mastery, became a reality after years of adventurous expeditions to the Himalayas. Now, at the age of 70, Singh prepares to part ways with his beloved collection, as it heads to auction at Christie’s. Join us as we delve into Singh’s extraordinary journey and discover the magic behind Hokusai’s timeless captures of the sacred mountain.
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One Collector’s High Mountain Road to Hokusai
Introduction
Have you ever been captivated by a particular artist or a specific series of artwork? For art enthusiast and retired professor Jitendra V. Singh, his fascination with mountains and the work of the renowned Japanese printmaker Katsushika Hokusai led him on an incredible journey. Over the course of 30 years, Dr. Singh embarked on a quest to assemble the complete set of Hokusai’s famous series, “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji.” In this article, we delve into Dr. Singh’s deep appreciation for mountains, his discovery of Hokusai’s work, and his remarkable journey to collect this iconic series.
Background
Jitendra V. Singh’s fascination with mountains
For Dr. Singh, mountains have always held a special allure. As an avid traveler and adventurer, he had traversed the Himalayas, trekked on Mt. Everest, and even visited the sacred Mount Kailash in Tibet. The majesty and grandeur of these natural wonders left an indelible impression on Dr. Singh, fueling his fascination with all things mountain-related.
Discovery of Katsushika Hokusai’s work
In 2013, Dr. Singh’s passion for mountains led him to the work of Katsushika Hokusai, a celebrated Japanese artist from the Edo 19th century. Hokusai’s masterful series, “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji,” immediately caught Dr. Singh’s attention. The series depicted Mount Fuji in various perspectives, showcasing the mountain’s beauty and significance in Japanese culture. Inspired by Hokusai’s portrayal of the sacred mountain, Dr. Singh decided to embark on a journey to collect the entire series.
The Series
Description of the ‘Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji’ series
“Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” is a landmark woodblock print series created by Katsushika Hokusai. Despite its name, the series actually consists of 46 prints that showcase different views and perspectives of Mount Fuji. Each print is a meticulous work of art, showcasing Hokusai’s mastery of composition, color, and technique.
Hokusai’s depiction of Mount Fuji
In Hokusai’s series, Mount Fuji takes center stage, appearing in every print. The mountain is portrayed in various seasons, weather conditions, and settings, revealing its ever-changing beauty and symbolism. Hokusai’s unique artistic style and attention to detail bring the majestic presence of Mount Fuji to life in each print.
Significance of Mount Fuji in Japanese culture
Mount Fuji holds great cultural and spiritual significance in Japan. As the highest mountain in the country, it has been revered for centuries as a sacred site. Mount Fuji is also deeply intertwined with Japanese identity and has been a subject of artistic inspiration for many renowned artists throughout history. Hokusai’s “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” series stands as a testament to the enduring cultural and artistic significance of the mountain.
The Journey Begins
Dr. Singh’s first woodblock print purchase
In 2013, Dr. Singh made his first purchase of a woodblock print from Hokusai’s series. The print, titled “Fine wind, clear weather [Red Fuji],” captured his imagination and deepened his appreciation for Hokusai’s artistic prowess. This initial acquisition marked the beginning of a lifelong passion and a commitment to collecting the entire “Thirty-Six Views” series.
Enchantment with Hokusai’s portrayal of the mountain
As Dr. Singh acquired more prints from the series, he became increasingly enchanted with Hokusai’s portrayal of Mount Fuji. Each print offered a unique perspective and showcased the mountain’s beauty in a different light. Dr. Singh found himself drawn to the depth of emotion and spirituality that Hokusai captured in his work.
Initial motivation for collecting the series
Dr. Singh’s initial motivation for collecting the entire “Thirty-Six Views” series was driven by his love for mountains and his admiration for Hokusai’s skill as an artist. He saw this endeavor as a personal quest; a way to immerse himself in the ever-changing beauty and symbolism of Mount Fuji through Hokusai’s eyes.
The Quest
Dr. Singh’s ambition to collect the entire series
With his passion ignited, Dr. Singh set out on a mission to collect all 46 prints in Hokusai’s series. This ambitious goal would require dedication, perseverance, and an extensive search for rare and elusive prints. Dr. Singh was determined to leave no stone unturned in his quest to complete the collection.
The challenge of finding and acquiring each print
As Dr. Singh delved deeper into the world of Hokusai prints, he soon realized the rarity and scarcity of certain prints. Some prints had been lost to time, while others were held in private collections or museums. Finding and acquiring these prints became a challenging task, requiring extensive research, networking, and sometimes even travel.
Timeline of Dr. Singh’s collection journey
Over the span of 30 years, Dr. Singh meticulously collected each print in Hokusai’s series. The journey was not without its hurdles, but Dr. Singh’s unwavering determination led him to connect with collectors, dealers, and experts in the field. He slowly but steadily built his collection, piece by piece, over the decades.
Completion of the Collection
Dr. Singh’s achievement in January 2023
In January 2023, after years of dedication and perseverance, Dr. Singh finally completed his collection of all 46 prints in the “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” series. This milestone marked a significant achievement for Dr. Singh and a testament to his passion, knowledge, and love for Hokusai’s work.
Total number of prints in the collection
With the collection complete, Dr. Singh’s set of Hokusai prints became a rare and valuable treasure. His collection comprised all 46 prints from the series, each meticulously preserved and cared for. The completeness of the set added to the significance and desirability of Dr. Singh’s collection.
Valuation of the complete set
Due to the rarity and completeness of Dr. Singh’s collection, its value was estimated to be between $3 million to $5 million. The valuation took into account the historical and artistic importance of Hokusai’s series, as well as the condition and provenance of each print in Dr. Singh’s collection.
The Auction
Dr. Singh’s decision to sell the entire set at Christie’s
After completing his collection, Dr. Singh made the decision to sell the entire set of Hokusai prints at Christie’s, a renowned auction house. This decision was not made lightly, but Dr. Singh believed that by parting with his cherished collection, he could contribute to the preservation and appreciation of Hokusai’s work on a broader scale.
Estimated value of the collection
Given the rarity and completeness of Dr. Singh’s collection, Christie’s estimated the value of the entire set to be between $3 million to $5 million. This valuation took into account the demand for Hokusai’s work, the historical significance of the series, and the reputation of Dr. Singh as a knowledgeable and passionate collector.
Anticipation and expectations for the auction
As the auction approached, anticipation and excitement grew within the art world. Collectors, enthusiasts, and institutions eagerly awaited the opportunity to acquire Dr. Singh’s complete set of Hokusai prints. The expectation was that the auction would attract significant attention and potentially break records in terms of Hokusai print sales.
Impact and Legacy
Reflection on Dr. Singh’s accomplishment
Completing the collection of all 46 prints in Hokusai’s “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” series was a monumental accomplishment for Dr. Singh. It was the culmination of three decades of dedication, passion, and a deep appreciation for both mountains and Hokusai’s artistry. Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Singh felt gratitude for the experiences and opportunities his collection had brought into his life.
Contributions to the preservation and appreciation of Hokusai’s work
By assembling the complete set of Hokusai prints and subsequently selling them at auction, Dr. Singh made a significant contribution to the preservation and appreciation of Hokusai’s work. His collection showcased the entirety of Hokusai’s vision and artistry, ensuring that future generations would be able to admire and study this iconic series.
Inspiration for future collectors
Dr. Singh’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to future collectors and art enthusiasts. His unwavering dedication, meticulous research, and lifelong passion demonstrate that with patience and perseverance, even the most ambitious collecting goals can be achieved. Dr. Singh’s story encourages others to follow their passions, explore the world of art, and embark on their own personal journeys of discovery and collection.
Conclusion
Dr. Jitendra V. Singh’s remarkable journey to collect the entire “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” series by Katsushika Hokusai is a testament to his love for mountains and admiration for the artist’s masterful work. Over the course of 30 years, Dr. Singh dedicated himself to the pursuit of completing this iconic collection, facing challenges and obstacles along the way. His achievement not only adds to the legacy of Hokusai but also inspires others to embark on their own collecting quests. As Dr. Singh’s collection goes to auction, the art world eagerly awaits the opportunity to acquire these rare treasures and continue to appreciate the beauty and cultural significance of Hokusai’s “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji.”
