Minamoto no Yoritomo Hunting at the Foot of Mount Fuji (left half of a diptych) Possibly 1785

Curator: This woodblock print by Torii Kiyonaga, now at the Harvard Art Museums, depicts "Minamoto no Yoritomo Hunting at the Foot of Mount Fuji." It's one half of a diptych, printed on paper measuring about 35 by 25 centimeters. Editor: It feels like a carefully choreographed dance, doesn't it? All these figures in motion, with Fuji a ghostly presence in the background. There's a sense of controlled chaos that's quite captivating. Curator: Indeed. Kiyonaga’s printmaking process involved a collaborative workshop, each stage from carving to printing demanding specific skills. These hunting scenes weren't just records, but also social statements. Editor: You're right, it's a display of power, of dominance. And the flatness of the landscape only amplifies that staged quality. It's almost like a theater performance. Curator: Exactly. The choice of materials and the labor involved speak volumes about the patronage system. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about the socio-economic forces at play. Editor: It makes me wonder about the stories these figures could tell, the sweat and precision that went into both the hunt and the artwork. A slice of life captured, both brutal and beautiful.