Shikotsu Lake

Shikotsu Lake is a caldera lake in Hokkaido, the second-deepest in Japan, ringed by the volcanic peaks of Eniwa-dake and Tarumae-san and known for water clear enough to register the deep cobalt of its mineral-rich basin. Maeda, born in Hokkaido, returned often to the island's terrain as subject matter, and this print likely composes the lake with a low horizon, the volcanic silhouettes massed against the sky and the water rendered in a saturated indigo achieved through layered impressions. Bokashi gradations along the lakeshore register the transition from shallow to deep water, and the dark conifer fringe along the bank gives the composition its anchor. As a sosaku-hanga artist, Maeda carved and printed his own blocks, controlling the blue passages personally rather than delegating to a workshop printer. The subject distinguishes him from shin-hanga peers focused on Honshu landmarks and ties his catalogue to the volcanic, cold-water scenery of his home island.