Lobster (Ise ebi) and Prawn (Ama ebi), from the series A Shoal of Fishes (Uo-zukushi) c. 20th century

Editor: This is Utagawa Hiroshige's "Lobster (Ise ebi) and Prawn (Ama ebi), from the series A Shoal of Fishes (Uo-zukushi)." It’s vibrant, but what strikes me is the bold, almost humorous way the lobster dominates the scene. What can you tell me about it? Curator: It's fascinating how Hiroshige elevates everyday subjects. Consider the context: ukiyo-e prints were increasingly popular, catering to a merchant class with disposable income. Does this imagery, depicting readily available food, reflect shifting social dynamics? What role did art play in shaping consumer desires? Editor: That's a new perspective. It makes you wonder if owning such a print was a status symbol of sorts, beyond mere decoration. Curator: Exactly. And think about the museum's role today – how do we continue to shape the narrative and accessibility of art for the public? Editor: This print prompts questions not just about art history, but about our own relationship to art and its place in society today.