Sumida River Crossing (Sumidagawa watashiba no zu) c. 1847 - 1852

Editor: This woodblock triptych, "Sumida River Crossing" by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, really captures my eye with its bold colors. What symbols are at play here? Curator: Notice how the Sumida River itself acts as a symbolic border, a space of transition and purification in Shinto belief. The lanterns, too, carry a significance, representing souls and ancestral connections. Editor: So, it's not just a river crossing, but a spiritual journey? Curator: Precisely! What emotions do the figures evoke in you? Their postures, the items they carry... These all contribute to a larger narrative. Editor: It seems a blend of mundane travel and deep-seated cultural beliefs. Fascinating! Curator: Indeed. The genius of Kuniyoshi lies in embedding profound cultural memory within seemingly simple scenes.