Old Rakan Temple, Yabakei, Bungo Province (Bungo Yabakei Ko Rakan-ji), from the series Famous Sights of Japan (Nihon meishō zue) Possibly 1897

Editor: This is Kobayashi Kiyochika’s "Old Rakan Temple, Yabakei, Bungo Province," from his series "Famous Sights of Japan." It's a striking image, really emphasizing the landscape. What formal qualities stand out to you? Curator: The pronounced verticality immediately seizes attention. Note the sharp, almost violent, contrast between the textured mountain and the smooth, linear fields. Do you observe how the artist manipulates positive and negative space to create depth? Editor: Yes, the starkness makes the temple seem almost swallowed by the landscape, a contrast in textures. I hadn't considered the interplay of positive and negative space so explicitly. Curator: Consider, also, the linear perspective employed. The converging lines of the field lead the eye towards the base of the mountain, enhancing the overall sense of scale and grandeur. A calculated effect. Editor: That's a great point. I see how all the linear elements really focus our attention. Thank you!