Oyashirazu Beach (Oyashirazuhama), from the series Famous Sights of Japan (Nihon meishō zue) Possibly 1897

Curator: Kobayashi Kiyochika’s woodblock print, "Oyashirazu Beach," part of his series "Famous Sights of Japan," depicts a serene coastal scene. The Harvard Art Museums hold this vertical print. Editor: It's remarkably somber. The imposing cliff face dominates, casting a long shadow that almost swallows the tiny figures on the beach. Curator: Oyashirazu translates to "parents don't know," suggesting a place of peril. The name itself speaks to the dangers of this coastal route. Editor: The composition certainly echoes that. The strong diagonal thrust of the cliff and the muted palette create a sense of unease, amplified by the vulnerability of the travelers. Curator: Kiyochika masterfully uses light to enhance that feeling. The sliver of bright beach highlights the precariousness of their journey, reminding us of mortality. It is as if this landscape remembers the many journeys taken in the past. Editor: A haunting piece. It is quite unsettling how form and symbolism coalesce to make a memory of an unknown journey.