Flathead (Kochi) and Eggplants (Nasubi), from the series A Shoal of Fishes (Uo-zukushi) c. late 19th century

Curator: This is Utagawa Hiroshige’s woodblock print, "Flathead (Kochi) and Eggplants (Nasubi)," part of the series "A Shoal of Fishes." The print is currently in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: I'm immediately struck by the odd juxtaposition of the fish with the eggplants. It’s unsettling, almost dreamlike. Curator: Hiroshige was working within a tradition of "catch-of-the-day" prints, popular among the merchant class. However, these prints transcended mere documentation. Editor: The eggplants, particularly, seem to carry symbolic weight. They're dark and heavy, contrasting with the fish's implied movement. Is there a deeper meaning there? Curator: The eggplant, or "nasu," could represent autumn or fruition, or even hint at themes of prosperity. Hiroshige often blended naturalism with cultural symbolism. Editor: It’s a fascinating example of how everyday objects become loaded with significance within a specific cultural context. Curator: Exactly, the seemingly simple composition reveals complex layers of meaning, reflecting the values and aspirations of its time.