No. 2 (Dai ni), from the series Eight Scenic Places in Henan Province, China (Kanan hasshō) 

Editor: This is "No. 2 (Dai ni), from the series Eight Scenic Places in Henan Province, China (Kanan hasshō)" by Bunsei, currently at the Harvard Art Museums. I’m drawn to its serenity. What cultural narratives do you see woven into this landscape? Curator: The mountains, water, and clustered dwellings evoke a sense of harmony with nature, a recurring theme in East Asian art. Notice how the water is both a barrier and a connector, reflecting a cultural memory of interdependence. Are there echoes of similar imagery in other works you've encountered? Editor: I see a resemblance to traditional landscape scrolls, but with a more intimate, accessible feel. I learned a lot. Thanks. Curator: Indeed. The artist uses familiar symbols to create a deeply personal, yet universally relatable space. It’s a reminder of how visual motifs can bridge cultures and time.