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](/glossary/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](/glossary/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](/glossary/shin-hanga) peers focused on Honshu landmarks and ties his catalogue to the volcanic, cold-water scenery of his home island.