Nanking in China (Dai Min Nankin fushibō), from the series Bankoku meishō jinkyō no uchi Late Edo period,

Editor: This is "Nanking in China" by Utagawa Yoshitora. It's a print on paper, depicting what looks like a bustling scene. What historical context can you provide for understanding the imagery? Curator: This print is part of a series showcasing world cities. Think about the context of 19th-century Japan. How did representations like these shape perceptions of foreign cultures and power dynamics? Was it purely documentary, or something more? Editor: So, it's not just a picture of Nanking, but also a statement about Japan's place in the world? Curator: Exactly. It reflects the socio-political landscape and how Japan navigated its relationship with other nations through art. It’s about more than just what is depicted, but *why* it's depicted. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about. Thanks for the insight!