Suruga Street (Suruga-chō), from the series One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (Meisho Edo hyakkei) Possibly 1856

Editor: Here we have Hiroshige's woodblock print, "Suruga Street," from his "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo." It's bustling with people, yet Mount Fuji looms serenely in the background. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: The print offers a fascinating glimpse into Edo period urban life. The framing of Mount Fuji between commercial buildings highlights the intersection of the natural world and burgeoning capitalism. What role do you think the print played in shaping perceptions of Edo? Editor: I hadn’t considered that! Perhaps it was a way to promote the city while also grounding it in the familiar symbol of Fuji. Curator: Precisely! And think about the power of prints at this time - mass communication shaping public identity. They weren’t just art objects, but tools of cultural production. Editor: That gives me a lot to consider. Thank you for sharing your expertise!