Maples at Kaianji Temple (Kaianji kōyō) from the series Famous Views of Edo c. 19th century

Editor: This is "Maples at Kaianji Temple" by Utagawa Hiroshige, a woodblock print from the series "Famous Views of Edo." The muted colors and landscape create a very serene atmosphere. What can you tell me about the role these landscapes played in Edo society? Curator: Hiroshige capitalized on the rising popularity of travel among the merchant classes. Prints like this democratized access to famous sites, offering a vicarious experience of leisure and cultural tourism. How does knowing that change your perception? Editor: It makes me think about access and representation. The print isn't just a landscape; it's a carefully curated image reflecting the values and aspirations of a specific audience. Curator: Precisely. The ‘famous views’ became social commodities. We see the emergence of constructed landscapes catering to a growing consumer culture. It's a very interesting dynamic. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way before. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Analyzing art as a social phenomenon always reveals hidden depths.