SWALLOWS AND IRIS c. 19th century

Curator: This print, "Swallows and Iris," is by Utagawa Hiroshige, who lived from 1797 to 1858. It's currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels like a fleeting moment—the way the swallows are captured mid-flight, it's almost like a sketch, a quick breath of ink. Curator: Hiroshige was a master of capturing the ephemeral in nature. Swallows, symbols of summer and transience, pair beautifully with the iris, which in Japanese culture can represent protection. Editor: Protection, or even a charm against evil. The iris leaves, shaped like swords, connect to the Boys’ Day festival, now Children’s Day, a holiday originally for boys' health and strength. Curator: Right, and in that context, the swallows could represent safe journeys or returns, given their migratory habits. The simplicity almost belies the depth. Editor: It's true. Though seemingly simple, it reflects complex cultural narratives—a dance between nature and symbolism. Curator: A lovely thing, don't you think? Editor: Absolutely, a poignant glimpse into a world where nature is steeped in meaning.