Outbreak of Fire Seen from Hisamatsu-cho Possibly 1881

Curator: Kobayashi Kiyochika's woodblock print, "Outbreak of Fire Seen from Hisamatsu-cho," presents a dramatic scene. The Harvard Art Museums hold this horizontal oban, a testament to Kiyochika's skill. Editor: The immediate impression is chaos. The composition itself is fiery, with the orange flames dominating the upper register, contrasting sharply with the dark figures below. Curator: Kiyochika, known for his use of light and shadow, masterfully employs these elements here to heighten the sense of urgency and fear. Notice how the buildings are reduced to mere silhouettes against the inferno. Editor: It's fascinating how the artist depicts the community. The labor of the people, fighting the blaze or simply observing, feels palpable even within the constraints of the woodblock medium. One wonders about the materials that fueled such a conflagration and the rebuilding efforts to come. Curator: Indeed. The print invites us to consider not only the formal aspects of the composition, but also the social and emotional impact of such a devastating event. Editor: Seeing the flames juxtaposed with such intricate details of the ordinary people makes me contemplate the fleeting nature of civilization and the community's resilience. It's a powerful image. Curator: A sentiment well captured, it's a masterful work of its time.