Jo and Uba Greeting the Rising Sun c. 1770 - 1781

Editor: Here we have Utagawa Toyoharu's woodblock print, "Jo and Uba Greeting the Rising Sun," from around 1770. I find the composition so striking, especially how the figures mirror the lines of the waves. How do you interpret the formal elements in this work? Curator: The print presents an intriguing study in contrasting forms and textures. Notice how the rounded, organic shapes of the pine tree and the rising sun are juxtaposed against the more angular lines of the waves and the figures’ garments. The layering creates depth and visual interest. Editor: I see what you mean! It's not just a flat image; the overlapping shapes make it feel almost three-dimensional. Does the artist use the color to emphasize these contrasting elements as well? Curator: Indeed. The muted palette, primarily greens, browns, and grays, serves to highlight the fiery orange-red of the sun, drawing our eye to the focal point of the composition. Also, consider the materiality. The very process of creating a woodblock print involves a build-up of layers and textures, each carefully carved and inked, thereby enhancing our appreciation of the finished art work. What do you think about the positioning of figures relative to the sun? Editor: They’re perfectly positioned to draw attention to the horizon. It's like they are conductors leading our eyes toward the sun and that soft burst of red. Is there a theoretical term for that kind of focus? Curator: One might view it through the lens of semiotics. Consider how the sun could function as a signifier – in what way does its placement structure meaning? Editor: So interesting. Looking at this print through a formalist lens helps me to appreciate how its individual elements work together to create a harmonious, balanced, and thought-provoking artwork. Curator: Precisely! A closer examination reveals that the intrinsic qualities of the piece elevate its narrative and artistic impact.