Fishing Boats at Tsukudajima (Tsukudajima gyoshÅ«), from the series Thirty-six Views of the Eastern Capital (Tōto sanjÅ«rokkei) Possibly 1862

Editor: This is "Fishing Boats at Tsukudajima" by Utagawa Hiroshige II, from the series "Thirty-six Views of the Eastern Capital." I find the contrast between the large, imposing boat and the small fishing vessels quite striking. What historical context informs this dynamic? Curator: Considering the late Edo period’s social hierarchy, the boats could represent the tension between the ruling class and the working class. The large vessel, perhaps a symbol of power, looms over the vulnerable fishermen struggling to make a living. Do you see how the flames from their boats suggest precarity? Editor: Yes, it’s much clearer now! I hadn’t considered the social commentary implied by their relative sizes and the fishing boats being lit on fire. Curator: Precisely. Hiroshige II prompts us to examine the socio-economic power dynamics embedded within seemingly picturesque scenes. Editor: This has made me think a lot more about the possible messages in the artwork. Curator: Exactly, it's about looking beyond the beautiful surface.