Five Pines, Onagi Canal (Onagigawa Gohonmatsu), Number 97 from the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Meisho Edo hyakkei) Possibly 1856 - 1857

Editor: This woodblock print, "Five Pines, Onagi Canal" from Hiroshige's "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo," has a lovely, serene quality to it. The blues are just so calming. How do you interpret the choice of perspective, with the massive pine branch framing the scene? Curator: It's like peering through a natural window, isn't it? Hiroshige invites us into this intimate moment on the canal. The oversized branch is a masterstroke, creating depth and a sense of place, almost like we're hidden observers. The pine itself, a symbol of longevity and steadfastness, watches over the fleeting scene of everyday life. What do you think it says about our relationship with nature? Editor: That’s a great point. It feels like nature is both a witness and a protector of the everyday. I hadn't considered the symbolism of the pine tree itself. It really adds another layer of meaning. Curator: Exactly! Hiroshige's genius lies in layering those meanings, making the ordinary extraordinary. It reminds us to appreciate the small wonders around us.