Kiyomigata, from the series Famous Sights of Japan (Nihon meishō zue) Possibly 1896

Editor: This is "Kiyomigata," from the series "Famous Sights of Japan," by Kobayashi Kiyochika. It's a woodblock print, and I'm struck by how serene the composition feels. What do you see in this piece? Curator: For me, this print captures a moment of quiet contemplation. Kiyochika often played with light and shadow, even in his landscapes. See how the soft blues and greens create a sense of distance, inviting you to lose yourself in the vista? What do you think of the lone figures? Editor: I hadn't really noticed them at first, but now they bring such a feeling of humanity to the scene. Curator: Exactly! It’s like Kiyochika is reminding us that even in the grandest of landscapes, we are all just tiny figures finding our way. Editor: That’s a wonderful thought. I’ll never look at landscapes the same way.