IN THE COOL OF THE EVENING AT RYOGOKU BRIDGE, from the series Famous Places of the Eastern Capital (Tōto meisho) Possibly 1854

Curator: Hiroshige’s woodblock print, "In the Cool of the Evening at Ryogoku Bridge," pulls you right into a summer night in Edo. Editor: It's a moody piece, isn't it? That deep blue and the towering bridge supports give it a dramatic, almost overwhelming feel. Curator: The bridge itself, packed with tiny figures, practically vibrates with life. And look at the boats—lanterns aglow, suggesting stories unfolding under the dark sky. Editor: I'm drawn to the materiality here. Consider the labor intensive process of carving the woodblocks, the careful layering of ink, and the registration required for each color—a real feat of production. Curator: Absolutely, a dance between craft and artistry. I find it captures a fleeting moment, doesn't it? The essence of a shared experience, a collective breath held on a warm evening. Editor: Yes, it’s a moment meticulously constructed through materials and technique, providing a glimpse into the daily lives and social structures of Edo. Curator: It does make you wonder what stories that bridge could tell. Editor: Indeed. I'm left contemplating the layers of handcraft and culture.