Bamboo Yards, Kyōbashi Bridge (Kyōbashi Takegashi), Number 76 from the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Meisho Edo hyakkei) Possibly 1857

Editor: This is Utagawa Hiroshige's "Bamboo Yards, Kyōbashi Bridge" from his series "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo." The bridge stretching across the water gives a sense of depth, but the towering bamboo on the sides feels almost oppressive. What's your read on this? Curator: It's fascinating how Hiroshige uses perspective to frame Edo. The bamboo isn't just scenery; it represents a vital industry. Consider how the print circulates - showcasing Edo's commercial life to a wide audience, reinforcing its image as a thriving center. Editor: So, it's more than just a pretty picture? Curator: Precisely! These prints shaped perceptions of Edo, both internally and externally. How do you think the artist played a role in this? Editor: I never thought about art as something that can shape people's views. It's more than aesthetics! Curator: Exactly! Art reflects culture and it can also shape it.