Illustrated Book of Professions with Kyōka (Kyōka Yamato jinbutsu), 1st of 7 Volumes Possibly 1857

Curator: Let’s examine this page from Utagawa Hiroshige’s *Illustrated Book of Professions with Kyoka*, part of a seven-volume set held at the Harvard Art Museums. The imagery is striking, isn’t it? Editor: It is! The coarse paper, the strong lines of the figures, and the almost comic depiction of the sumo wrestler really grab my attention. It emphasizes the labor and physicality of these professions. Curator: Indeed, Hiroshige wasn't just documenting jobs. He was subtly commenting on social roles. The poems, or kyoka, alongside the images add layers of meaning, often with satirical or humorous undertones. Editor: Look how the woodblock printing allows for such dynamic expression with limited resources. The way the artist captures the weight of the wrestler and the delicate gestures of the geisha is impressive, given the limitations of the medium. Curator: Absolutely, and by juxtaposing seemingly disparate professions within a single book, Hiroshige encourages us to see the interconnectedness of society. Editor: I agree. The book reminds us that art can serve as a powerful form of documentation, even when working with mass-produced materials and images. I learned a lot today.