Gathering Shellfish at Low Tide at Susaki (Susaki shiohigari), from the series Famous Places in Edo (Kōto meisho) c. 19th century

Editor: This is Utagawa Hiroshige's woodblock print, "Gathering Shellfish at Low Tide at Susaki," from his "Famous Places in Edo" series. I'm struck by how it captures a seemingly mundane activity with such vibrant energy. What can you tell me about the social context of this scene? Curator: This image offers a fascinating glimpse into Edo period life. Consider how Hiroshige elevates the everyday activity of shellfish gathering. It wasn't just about sustenance, but also about community and leisure, and how such scenes were consumed by a growing urban audience eager for depictions of their city and its surroundings. How does this commercial aspect influence the way we view the print today? Editor: That’s a really interesting point. It makes me think about how images shape our understanding of history and culture. Thanks! Curator: Precisely. It reminds us that art is not just a reflection of society, but also an active participant in shaping it.