Stone Bridge (Ishibashi) Possibly 1960

Curator: Here we have Okiie Hashimoto’s woodblock print, Stone Bridge, a work residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's quite evocative! The stark contrast and those ripples...a somber, almost melancholic mood settles in. Curator: Bridges in art often symbolize transitions, connections, even spiritual journeys. Considering Hashimoto’s era, Japan navigated immense social shifts. Editor: The stone bridge itself feels enduring, a constant amidst change. Those perfect concentric circles—echoes, memories. Water often represents the unconscious. Curator: Woodblock prints like this played a crucial role in democratizing art. These weren’t elite commissions; they were accessible, reflecting everyday scenes and popular culture. Editor: The bridge seems to hover, its reflection blurred by the rain. Is it a reminder of permanence, or the ephemeral nature of lived experience? Curator: Perhaps it is both. I think Hashimoto sought to capture a moment of quietude amidst societal flux. Editor: A poignant reflection on time, tradition, and the enduring power of place.