Annual Record of Eastern Capital (Toto saijiki) 1838

Curator: This image comes from Hasegawa Settan's "Annual Record of Eastern Capital," an undated work housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's a fascinating composition. The intricate details—the elephant, the crowds—are quite striking despite the print's diminutive size. Curator: Settan worked during a period of significant social and political change in Japan. The depiction of an elephant in such a public ceremony speaks to the cultural exchange and imperial power dynamics of the time. Editor: Absolutely. The artist uses line weight and density to create a strong sense of depth. Notice how the architectural elements frame the scene and lead the eye. Curator: Right, and the printing of these images allowed for a wider dissemination of cultural knowledge and solidified narratives about the capital. It served to shape a collective identity. Editor: I appreciate how the artist managed to capture the bustling energy of the procession using a relatively limited visual vocabulary. The overall effect is lively and engaging.