Yellowtail (Inada), Blowfish (Fugu) and Prunus (Ume), from the series A Shoal of Fishes (Uo-zukushi) c. 20th century

Curator: Hiroshige’s woodblock print, "Yellowtail, Blowfish, and Prunus," offers a striking study in contrasts. Editor: It's strangely unsettling. The stiff fish, the thorny branches... a peculiar combination of serenity and tension. Curator: Notice the exquisite detail in the fish scales versus the simplified rendering of the plum blossoms. Perhaps a reflection on the transience of life. Editor: The printmaking process itself would have involved layering color blocks. The skill required to achieve this level of detail with such humble materials is fascinating. Curator: The fish are more than just food; they are symbols of prosperity and good fortune. The plum blossoms, too, represent resilience and renewal. Editor: I'm left thinking about how the material and the subject matter work together to create something beyond just a pretty picture, it’s about labor and symbolic value. Curator: Yes, a dialogue between nature, culture, and belief is definitely here. Editor: Exactly, it opens up so many avenues for thinking about what art can be.