No. 3 (Dai san), from the series Eight Scenic Places in Henan Province, China (Kanan hasshō) 

Curator: This woodblock print is titled "No. 3 (Dai san), from the series Eight Scenic Places in Henan Province, China (Kanan hasshō)," and it is attributed to Bunsei. Editor: It gives me a sense of serene isolation. That little shrine perched amidst the trees feels like a secret hideaway, almost daring you to discover it. Curator: The shrine is fascinating, isn't it? Notice how it becomes a focal point, a symbol of spiritual refuge, nestled within the wild landscape. Editor: And the fisherman—a tiny figure connecting to something larger than himself. Fishing, of course, symbolizing patience, resourcefulness, and a connection to the natural world. Curator: Absolutely, and the calligraphy at the top? These are poems, likely adding layers of meaning related to the location depicted. Editor: It’s amazing how the artist captures such complex emotions and ideas in such a simple composition. The feeling of being both grounded and elevated at the same time. Curator: A balance of earth and sky, the mundane and the sacred. A visual reminder of life's delicate dance. Editor: Yes. It’s funny, I feel like I’ve been there, even though I've never been. A reminder of universal feelings of peace and connection.