A HUNDRED VIEWS OF FAMOUS PLACES IN THE VARIOUS PROVINCES, "BIZEN TATSUKUCHIYAMA" Possibly 1860

Editor: So, here's Utagawa Hiroshige II's woodblock print, "A Hundred Views of Famous Places in the Various Provinces, 'Bizen Tatsukuchiyama'". It’s dominated by this intense rain. What's your take? Curator: Well, it’s interesting to consider how these prints were circulated. This series aimed to showcase regional identities. What does it mean to depict a "famous place" so dramatically obscured by weather? Editor: I guess it’s not just a pretty picture then. Curator: Exactly! The artist likely chose this scene to evoke a sense of place, even through adversity. Think about how this image might have been used to promote regional pride or even tourism. Editor: So the rain isn't just rain, it's about identity? That's a cool thought. Curator: Precisely. These prints served a public function, shaping perceptions and reinforcing cultural narratives.