A HUNDRED VIEWS OF FAMOUS PLACES IN THE VARIOUS PROVINCES, "SENSHU, USHIDAKI TANO" Possibly 1859

Curator: This woodblock print is titled "Senshu, Ushidaki Tano" and is part of Utagawa Hiroshige II's "A Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Various Provinces" series. Editor: There's such a lovely sense of depth and framing created by the foreground trees, drawing the eye toward that distant mountain. The colors are vibrant, even with the muted tones of autumn. Curator: Absolutely, the vibrant colors and serene composition mask a complex history. Hiroshige II produced these prints amidst significant social and political upheaval in Japan, reflecting a longing for idealized landscapes. Editor: The composition really emphasizes the relationship between the natural elements. Notice how the lines of the waterfall mirror those of the mountains, creating visual harmony and balance in the landscape. Curator: Considering the societal roles and expectations placed on artists during this period, the choice of landscapes carries its own quiet message of resistance and autonomy. Editor: The contrast between the rough texture of the tree bark and the delicate rendering of the leaves is quite striking, a wonderful exploration of materiality. Curator: Seeing this print through a contemporary lens allows us to question the very notion of "famous places" and whose perspectives are represented in these views. Editor: Indeed. It's fascinating to see how the artist uses formal elements to create a sense of harmony.