At more than 12,000 feet tall, Mount Fuji is probably the most iconic national symbol of Japan. It is also one of the world's most identifiable mountains. For centuries, it has inspired people—worshipers, climbers, artists and poets. Standing sixty miles from Tokyo, Mount Fuji is classified a "stratovolcano"—that is, a conical mountain built-up by the flow of lava, over years of eruptions. The volcano is remarkably symmetrical—and capped with snow for approximately five months a year. It is also an "active" volcano, having last erupted on 16 December 1707. Japan's frequent earthquakes are always concerning for residents living near Mount Fuji; scientists speculate that seismic activity could possibly trigger a new eruption. To the north of Mount Fuji lie the Five Lakes which provide recreation and additional scenic inspiration for painters, photographers and other artists.
Shown above, a sweet little watercolor depicting Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji behind it. Though it is not signed or dated, it is framed in a handsome Victorian English "Oxford" frame—punctuated with four white glass cabochons at the corners. I have found myself imaging who painted the scene. Was it a rare Victorian English visitor to Japan—who painted it al fresco one afternoon? Or was it purchased from a Japanese street artist and taken back to England? It is quite possibly as old as the frame itself (c. 1880-1910). We likely will never know the full details. But one can learn more about this handsome souvenir—by clicking upon the photo above.
I once had the good fortune to appreciate an unusual (and thrilling) view of Mount Fuji. I was flying between Tokyo and Osaka—and there it was, right outside my window. (Well, several miles away.) The mountain was surrounded by cloud cover; luckily we were above the clouds. Here is a photo, taken from my seat on that ANA flight!
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