Matsushima, from the series Famous Sights of Japan (Nihon meishō zue) Possibly 1896

Editor: This is Kobayashi Kiyochika’s "Matsushima" from his series *Famous Sights of Japan*. It's a woodblock print, and the mistiness creates a sense of calm. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Kiyochika here presents a constructed image of Japan, playing into the Meiji era's national identity project. The serene landscape obscures the complex social and political changes occurring during the period. How does this idealized vision serve a purpose? Editor: Perhaps it was meant to promote unity or distract from the internal struggles. Curator: Exactly. Art often reflects the desires and anxieties of its time, especially regarding national identity. It's interesting to consider what's included, and what's left out, right? Editor: Definitely! I never thought about landscape prints being political. Thanks!