Battle Crossing of the Sumidagawa (Sumidagawa ikada watashi no zu) c. late 19th century

Curator: What a dynamic print! Utagawa Kuniyoshi, who lived from 1797 to 1861, created this woodblock print titled "Battle Crossing of the Sumidagawa." It is currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's a riot of figures and banners. The color palette feels almost theatrical. You can practically hear the shouts and clashing steel. Curator: Indeed! Kuniyoshi was known for his depictions of warriors and historical scenes. The print portrays a scene of conflict, likely referencing a specific historical event, imbued with cultural significance. Editor: The composition is fascinating. The way the figures are crammed onto the raft, it's like a pressure cooker of tension, ready to explode. Curator: Precisely. The print engages with the popular culture of its time, reflecting the fascination with heroic narratives. Editor: Looking at it, I almost feel seasick. All this fighting and tension afloat. A potent mixture. Curator: A strong impression. Editor: The artist certainly knew how to capture the intensity of the moment.