Evening Bell at Mii Temple (Mii banshō), from an untitled series of Eight Views of Ōmi (Ōmi hakkei) Possibly 1854 - 1859

Curator: This woodblock print by Murai Fusatane depicts "Evening Bell at Mii Temple," part of a series illustrating the Eight Views of Ōmi, a region known for its scenic beauty. Editor: It’s incredibly tranquil. The composition, with its horizontal bands of landscape, water, and sky, creates a sense of serene distance. Curator: The lanterns floating on the lake were likely part of a Buddhist ceremony, perhaps to console spirits of those drowned in the lake, or a tradition to guide souls to the afterlife. Editor: The texture in the grey hillside, though, seems to anchor the ephemeral lights, contrasting solid earth with transient glows. It evokes a peaceful melancholy. Curator: Yes, the scene is steeped in Buddhist symbolism and practices popular at the time, connecting natural beauty with spiritual life and death. The print served as a piece of spiritual tourism for those who may not have the chance to visit the Temple in person. Editor: That layering of meaning enriches the formal simplicity, making the work conceptually profound as well as visually elegant. Curator: Absolutely, the image shows us that there is always more than meets the eye when discussing artistic representation. Editor: This piece really speaks to the power of stillness in art.