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Fujiyama
Fujiyama was made by the tesuri-kako-ho,
or hand-rubbing method. The plate engraving was done by Kinnojo Kawashima. This watermark
depicts Mount Fujiyama in Japan from the viewpoint of Mitsu Toge Pass during the winter. Fujiyama is the
highest mountain in Japan at 12,389 feet. Mount Fuji, as it is also known, last erupted in 1707.
The mountain is on the largest Japanese island, Honshu. The northern foot of the mountain
contains five lakes. One of these lakes, Lake Kawaguchi, is known for its inverted reflection
of the sacred mountain. Fujiyama means "ever lasting life", and the mountain is considered
to be very sacred in Japan. Legend says that in 286 BC, an earthquake created the mountain.
Perhaps because of legends like this one, Mount Fuji has been a traditional goal of pilgrimage
each summer. It has inspired many poets and painters over the centuries and now is a symbol
for the country.
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