Fine Views of the Eastern Capital at a Glance (Tōto shōkei ichiran) c. 1800

Editor: Here we have Katsushika Hokusai's "Fine Views of the Eastern Capital at a Glance." It seems to depict everyday life. What narratives do you think Hokusai is trying to express? Curator: Consider the socio-political climate of Edo period Japan. Hokusai’s focus on commoners, not just the elite, subtly democratizes representation. How does his elevation of labor and daily life challenge existing social hierarchies? Editor: So, even this seemingly simple depiction is loaded with commentary? Curator: Precisely. By focusing on the lives of everyday people, Hokusai subtly challenges the dominant narratives of power and status. Think about whose stories are usually told, and who is left out. Editor: That makes me see the print in a new light, considering these different social class perspectives.