Grey Mullet (Bora) and Curnelia (Tsubaki), from the series A Shoal of Fishes (Uo-zukushi) c. late 19th century

Editor: Hiroshige’s woodblock print, "Grey Mullet (Bora) and Curnelia (Tsubaki)," is so striking. The fish almost seems to be leaping off the page. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This work, part of a series on fish, reflects a time of social and economic change in Japan. The rising merchant class embraced art like this, often imbued with symbolism. The mullet, for example, was a common food. What does its pairing with the camellia, a symbol of resilience, suggest to you about societal values? Editor: Maybe it's about appreciating everyday life and finding beauty in common things? I hadn't considered that context. Curator: Precisely. Art isn't created in a vacuum. Understanding the social and political climate unlocks deeper meanings. Editor: I’ll definitely keep that in mind moving forward. Thanks!