A woodblock print by Kobayashi Kiyochika depicting a steamship sailing towards Mount Fuji. The artwork blends traditional Japanese techniques with Western influences, capturing a serene yet powerful seascape.

Kobayashi Kiyochika (1847-1915) was a Japanese artist known for his ukiyo-e woodblock prints and paintings. He is considered one of the last major figures of the ukiyo-e tradition. Kiyochika's work often depicted scenes of Meiji-era Japan, blending traditional Japanese artistic techniques with Western influences. He is particularly noted for his depictions of light and shadow, a technique he adopted from Western art. This print presents a dramatic seascape featuring Mount Fuji in the background. A large steamship, possibly a passenger liner, dominates the composition, cutting through turbulent waves. The sky transitions from a deep twilight blue to a lighter horizon, with the moon visible on the right. The waves are rendered with dynamic, swirling lines, conveying the power of the ocean. The colour palette is restrained, with blues, greys, and touches of pink on Mount Fuji, creating a serene yet powerful image.