Poem by Ise, from the series One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse (Hyakunin isshu uba ga etoki) c. 1835 - 1836

Curator: Katsushika Hokusai, who lived from 1760 to 1849, created "Poem by Ise" as part of his series "One Hundred Poems Explained by the Nurse." Editor: It's striking how Hokusai captures everyday life with such dynamism. The figures on the roof seem so precarious, yet purposeful. Curator: This print reflects a common theme in Hokusai’s work: the intersection of daily life and artistic expression. The poem acts as a narrative anchor. Editor: The image has a dual perspective, offering a peek into the intimate world of the building and the vast landscape. The visual metaphor is rather evocative. Curator: Precisely. The laborers on the roof are interesting. Their presence speaks volumes about the social strata represented. Editor: And consider the women observing from within - are they symbols of domesticity, curiosity, or perhaps something else entirely? Curator: What I appreciate most is how Hokusai elevates the common to the level of art. Editor: Indeed, a blend of symbolism and social commentary. It's a glimpse into a moment in time.