Two c. 1824

Curator: This intriguing woodblock print, entitled "Two," was created around 1824 by Yashima Gakutei and is housed right here in the Rijksmuseum. My initial impression is one of staged drama, underscored by the bold use of colour. The red lanterns and lower register create an immediate frame for the two central figures. What do you make of it? Editor: It certainly does evoke theatricality. And immediately, my focus shifts to the identities within. I'm curious about how these figures disrupt normative representations of gender and performance within Ukiyo-e traditions. Are they challenging or reinforcing societal expectations? Curator: Interesting point. I am drawn to the labor-intensive process involved in its creation. Consider the painstaking carving of the woodblocks required for each color, the specific types of wood used and the precision needed for the registration to layer them. There's a whole economy wrapped up in the production of such prints. Editor: Absolutely. This work gives us insight into not just art making, but also into the material culture of 19th century Japan. The setting, maybe a teahouse, is also relevant here: what type of interactions it would enable or restrict? How did these spaces operate within societal hierarchies? Curator: Speaking of space, notice how Gakutei employs a flat perspective, almost as if we're looking onto a stage. The layering of design elements—the lanterns, the veranda's patterned border, the meticulously rendered foliage in the background—create a richly decorative surface. The craftsmanship is really very fine. Editor: Yes, and there’s the interplay between interior and exterior space as well. It feels liminal, almost like a scene plucked from a play in a transitional moment. Thinking of representation, I wonder what statements these figures make in respect to the power structures prevalent at the time? Are they figures of transgression or commentary, or maybe just part of popular entertainment? Curator: Food for thought, definitely! Appreciating the material production enriches our perception. We can begin to unravel so much about the processes, not just the final image but the complex making. Editor: Agreed. Art serves as a powerful lens through which to view shifting social currents and lived experiences. Bringing an understanding of history makes an impact on how the message conveyed becomes that much more complex.