Triptych: Daimyo's Son Viewing the Sumida River 

Editor: This is Utagawa Kuninaga's "Triptych: Daimyo's Son Viewing the Sumida River" from the Harvard Art Museums. I’m struck by how much is going on, and how the artist uses these detailed patterns. What symbols stand out to you in this scene? Curator: The triptych format itself tells a story, a cultural memory of unfolding narratives. Notice how the figures' gazes and gestures guide our eyes across the panels, creating a sense of continuity. The Sumida River, a site of leisure and entertainment, symbolizes the transience of life. Do you observe how the patterns on the kimonos distinguish different social roles and personal identities? Editor: That’s fascinating! I hadn’t considered the kimonos as a language of their own. Curator: Indeed! Each element – the river, the kimonos, the very act of viewing – is laden with meaning, reflecting a complex social and emotional landscape. Editor: I see the piece more clearly now. It's a window into a rich cultural history.