In a unique collaboration, iPASS, a contactless smart card company from Taiwan, has partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston to launch a series of Hokusai-themed travel cards. This collection, inspired by the renowned Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai's "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," brings together art and functionality in a beautifully crafted product line.
iPASS aims to enhance the travel experience by integrating art into everyday life. By launching the Hokusai-themed travel card series, iPASS seeks to provide users with not only a practical tool for transportation but also a piece of cultural heritage that they can carry with them. The goal is to celebrate Japanese aesthetics and offer a unique way to appreciate Hokusai's masterpieces.
MFA Boston plays a crucial role in this project by providing access to Hokusai's iconic artworks. The museum's extensive collection and expertise in Japanese art have been instrumental in ensuring the authenticity and quality of the designs used in the travel card series. MFA Boston's involvement guarantees that the artwork is accurately represented and respectfully integrated into the merchandise.
The travel cards feature designs from Katsushika Hokusai's famous series "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji." Notable artworks used in this collection include "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," "South Wind, Clear Sky," "Thunderstorm Beneath the Summit," and "Kajikazawa in Kai Province." Hokusai, a master of Ukiyo-e (pictures of the floating world), created these prints in the early 1830s, capturing various perspectives of Mount Fuji. Each piece reflects the beauty and power of nature, as well as the harmony between humans and their environment.
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The final product is a collection of travel cards and three uniquely shaped cards that showcase Hokusai's artwork, all using ARTiSTORY’s style guide. Available at local convenience stores and metro stations in Taiwan, these cards are accessible to a wide audience. Each travel card, priced at $100, features various scenes from the "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," with “The Great Wave” as the signature piece. These items not only serve as functional travel cards but also as collectible pieces of art, allowing users to experience the beauty of Japanese culture in their daily lives.
