No. 47 c. 1835 - 1838

Editor: This is "No. 47" by Utagawa Hiroshige, a woodblock print made with ink and tempera around 1835-1838. It depicts figures traveling through a snowy landscape. I'm really drawn to the way the artist captured the stillness and silence of the scene. How do you interpret the symbolism within this seemingly simple composition? Curator: That stillness you perceive is key. Consider the emotional weight of the snow. Snow, often associated with purity and peace, can also represent isolation, even death, particularly within Shinto beliefs and cyclical interpretations of nature. The figures moving through it, burdened with goods, suggest perseverance despite hardship. Editor: That makes sense. I hadn't thought about the dual nature of the snow like that. What about those red lanterns hanging in the sky? Curator: Ah, the lanterns! These act as beacons in the darkness, both literally and symbolically. Red, in many Asian cultures, signifies vitality and good fortune, cutting through the potential for despair represented by the snow. The lanterns also speak to a continuity of culture. Have you considered how lanterns also historically function as guiding markers, referencing a spiritual journey as much as a physical one? Editor: A spiritual journey... I like that idea. The figures and animals appear determined, even in such harsh conditions. Is this resilience a recurring theme in ukiyo-e prints? Curator: Absolutely. While ukiyo-e often depicts pleasure and fleeting beauty, it also carries within it the understanding of impermanence and the importance of embracing the present, regardless of external circumstances. Think of the snow not just as a visual element, but as a metaphor for life's challenges, which must be navigated with fortitude, illuminated by hope – the red lanterns, the warmth of community, that kind of thing. Editor: That connection is very powerful. I’m starting to appreciate how the visual language of this artwork creates cultural meaning that transcends the image itself. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Now, with your knowledge of visual symbolics, how will you change your approach toward other artwork you see today?