Hokusai manga (Hokusai Sketchbooks), vol. 7 Possibly 1817

Editor: Here we have a page from Hokusai's Manga, specifically volume seven, where he captures scenes of everyday life and landscapes. This double-page spread, held by the Harvard Art Museums, is particularly striking. What do you make of this visual shorthand, the emotional impact of landscape as symbol? Curator: Notice how Hokusai uses the bridge. Bridges often symbolize connection, transition, or even escape. The mountainous setting, a recurring motif in East Asian art, speaks to permanence, strength, and spiritual elevation. What feelings does the juxtaposition of these symbols evoke for you? Editor: I hadn’t considered the bridge as transition. It changes how I see the whole image. Curator: Exactly. Images resonate with cultural memory, carrying layers of meaning across time. Hokusai knew this power well. Editor: It's amazing how much depth a simple sketch can hold. Curator: Indeed, it's a testament to art's enduring ability to communicate across centuries.