Kichiemon in the role of Yura Hyogo 1915

Editor: Okay, so here we have Natori Shunsen’s “Kichiemon in the role of Yura Hyogo,” a woodcut print from 1915. It’s such a striking image, the harsh lines almost give it a graphic novel feel. What jumps out at you about this piece? Curator: Considering this woodcut's materiality, think about the labor involved. Each color, each line, required a separate block. How does understanding the production process influence our reading of the subject, the actor? Was this accessible art for the masses, or did the intricate process make it a luxury? Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn't really considered the physical work behind it. So, by examining the process, are you suggesting it's a form of portraiture that’s also about democratizing art, making these famous figures more widely available through printed multiples? Curator: Precisely! The print medium collapses the traditional hierarchy between "high art" portraiture and a more accessible form. Consider also the paper, the inks - where did those materials come from, who produced them? Were those laborers afforded the same status as the actor portrayed? Editor: That brings a whole new layer to it. I initially saw a portrait of an actor, but now I'm thinking about the entire system of labor and material production that allowed this image to exist. The vibrant color certainly adds appeal. Curator: And that red isn't arbitrary. Pigments weren't neutral. Their production, trade, even their cultural associations mattered. How might that particular red resonate within its historical context? It all speaks to the social life of objects. Editor: So, looking beyond the surface, we uncover all these other elements. It becomes less about just the actor and more about the entire artistic and economic environment. Curator: Exactly! By investigating the making, materiality and networks, we understand this piece far beyond a simple portrait. The materials and means open this artwork's potential to represent culture, labour, and economy. Editor: Thanks, that approach gave me a great new appreciation.