Famous Scenes of Edo in the Four Seasons: Sumida River in Snow c. 1843 - 1847

Curator: This snow scene along the Sumida River is from a series by Utagawa Hiroshige, who lived from 1797 to 1858. Editor: It's incredibly delicate. The falling snow and the way their kimono patterns mirror the waves of the river gives it all a very dreamlike feeling. Curator: I notice how the shared umbrella acts almost like a halo, an encompassing protection. Throughout history, the umbrella is a symbol of power and shelter, of course, but it also speaks to a shared intimacy. Editor: Good point! Perhaps it's not just about sheltering from the snow, but from the world, too. These two figures huddle together with a shared purpose, their garments a blend of color in a muted landscape. Curator: Indeed. Their figures stand out so sharply against the winter scene; they seem to be walking through a suspended world. Editor: It makes you consider that perhaps the most profound moments are those shared in quiet company.