Mount Aso, ca. 1954

Color woodblock print

11 3/4 x 16 3/4 inches (29.8 x 42.5 cm) 

Philadelphia Museum of Art, Gift of
Theodore T. Newbold, 1959

1959-16-1

The abrupt form of the active volcano Mount Aso in the landscape is manifested in the sculptured angular shapes of this print. Azechi developed a passion for climbing while sketching sceneries en plein air and designed his mountains with the zeal of a conqueror of such a monument of nature. His artistic style also testifies to his deep respect and fascination with the subject of mountains. Though the artist chooses a somewhat somber palette, the scene communicates a sense of majesty rather than that of loneliness.

Daria Melnikova