Kuwana 1855

Editor: Here we have Utagawa Hiroshige's woodblock print, "Kuwana," created in 1855. The cool blues of the water immediately strike me, giving the scene a very tranquil feeling despite all the activity on the boats. What jumps out at you? Curator: You know, it's interesting you say that, because what I see isn't tranquility so much as… anticipation. The figures packed onto the larger boat, almost bursting from the seams. Where are they going, I wonder? What is Kuwana promising? Editor: That's a fascinating take. I was so focused on the serene colors, I missed that sense of expectation. Do you think that’s part of why the artist included the smaller boat too, to show multiple facets of travel and purpose? Curator: Possibly. It could be read as the every-day against the aspirational; someone off to simply ply their trade versus the others on a bigger, potentially more ambitious journey to somewhere, maybe even as pilgrims. Think about it, the 'floating world' of Ukiyo-e art was very popular at the time and celebrated fleeting moments, maybe here we witness someone embarking on such a short venture? The woodblock printing really gives it that unique look. Do you see Mount Fuji anywhere, by the way? Editor: Oh, wow, I didn't even think of it that way! No, I don’t think I see Fuji in the background here, it seems like there are hills instead! I suppose this type of landscape painting, as an affordable and mass-produced artwork, helped circulate these ideals in society at the time. I never thought about its power like that before! Curator: Exactly. Art imitates life and also influences it.