TOKAIDO, GATHERING SEA-WEED AT OMORI-SHINAGAWA c. 19th century

Editor: This is Utagawa Hiroshige's "Tokaido, Gathering Sea-Weed at Omori-Shinagawa." It's so serene, like a little window into a peaceful world. What do you make of the composition? Curator: Serene is the perfect word! I think it captures the quiet dignity of labor. The heart-shaped border almost feels like we're peeking in on an intimate moment, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way, but I see what you mean. Curator: Hiroshige turns the mundane into something deeply beautiful, doesn't he? Editor: Definitely. I'll remember that. Curator: It makes you wonder about the women gathering seaweed and appreciate their hard work!