Left Sheet of a Triptych of The Battle of the Uji River (Ujikawa kassen no zu) 

Curator: This is the left sheet of a triptych by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, who lived from 1797 to 1861, depicting "The Battle of the Uji River." Editor: It's really quite dramatic. I'm immediately struck by how turbulent the water is. The artist has captured such a sense of struggle. Curator: Indeed. Kuniyoshi’s prints often explore themes of valor and sacrifice within the context of Japanese warrior culture and the sociopolitical tensions of his time. We can read the battle itself as a manifestation of wider ideological conflicts. Editor: I’m interested in the materiality of the print itself. Woodblock printing allowed for the mass dissemination of these images, making these stories and values accessible to a broader public. Curator: Yes, and considering the warrior's garb and weaponry provides insights into the militaristic ideals projected onto the population, especially regarding masculinity and social order. Editor: Thinking about the hands involved in the whole process – the artist, the carvers, the printers – highlights the collaborative nature of printmaking and the labor involved in creating this visual culture. Curator: Considering this work's narrative and the means of its production really enriches our appreciation. Editor: I agree, there's so much to unpack when you consider the historical context and the artist's technique.