Two Fish c. 19th century

Editor: This is Utagawa Hiroshige's "Two Fish," and I find the composition quite striking. It's simple, yet there’s something unsettling about the open mouths. What do you make of it? Curator: Unsettling is a good word. For me, these fish evoke the impermanence of life. Hiroshige, known for his landscapes, here captures a still life, yet one that feels very much in transition. Note the delicate lines and the subtle gradations of color. Editor: The colors are beautiful, especially the contrast between the red and blue fish. Is there symbolism in the choice of fish? Curator: Potentially. Fish, in Japanese art, can symbolize abundance and good fortune. But here, with their gaping mouths and lifeless eyes, I wonder if Hiroshige is hinting at something deeper, perhaps a meditation on mortality itself. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about. It's interesting how a seemingly simple image can hold so much meaning. Curator: Exactly! It is a reminder that art often invites us to look beyond the surface and ponder the complexities of existence.