Japanese Shikishi, Mt. Fuji and Cranes with Poem by Yamabe no Akahito, Collaboration of Hōzan (painting), Juzan (calligraphy), Taishō Period

Original Japanese shikishi panel, a unique collaborative artwork that combines painting and poetry.

The painting depicts the sacred Mt. Fuji with cranes in flight, executed in nihonga style by the artist Hōzan (芳山), signed and sealed at lower right. On the left, calligrapher Juzan (寿山) inscribed and sealed a classical waka poem by the Nara-period poet Yamabe no Akahito (山部赤人), one of the Thirty-Six Immortal Poets.

Poem (waka):
田子の浦ゆ うち出でて見れば 真白にぞ
富士の高嶺に 雪は降りける

Tago no ura yu uchi-idete mireba, mashiro ni zo / Fuji no takane ni yuki wa furi-keru.

Translation:

“From Tago Bay I set out and look back —
all is whiteness:
on Fuji’s lofty peak
the snow keeps falling.”

Details:

Period: Taishō to early Shōwa (ca. 1915–1935)

Artists:
– Painter: Hōzan (芳山), signed with red seal
– Calligrapher: Juzan (寿山), signed with red seal

Medium: ink and mineral pigments on washi paper mounted on shikishi board with gold trim

Size: approx. 24 × 27 cm

Condition: very good, only minor signs of age

Symbolism:
Mt. Fuji embodies purity and eternity; cranes symbolize longevity and auspicious fortune. Combined with a classical waka, this work unites visual and literary traditions into a refined New Year or celebratory motif.
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