Morning Snow at Susaki (Susaki yuki no asa) Print from Keyblock c. 19th century

Curator: This keyblock print, "Morning Snow at Susaki," comes to us from Utagawa Hiroshige, a 19th-century master of ukiyo-e. The dimensions are about 16 by 55 centimeters, a rather long and narrow composition. Editor: It's incredibly minimal. Sparse lines give a sense of vastness, but also a feeling of vulnerability, like the people and buildings are exposed to the elements. Curator: The choice to leave so much open space likely speaks to a Zen Buddhist concept of emptiness, a way to suggest the infinite possibilities within a seemingly simple scene. The snow, suggested by the blank space, becomes almost palpable. Editor: Yet, the perspective flattens the landscape. Is this a conscious choice to disrupt traditional Western landscape conventions, perhaps subtly challenging notions of power and dominion over the land? Curator: It's a fascinating point. By embracing a flatter perspective, Hiroshige may be prioritizing a more intimate, grounded connection to the environment, rather than a dominating gaze. Editor: It makes me wonder about the lived experiences represented here, the daily lives of those inhabiting that village, and how their stories are intertwined with the land itself.