Enjoying the Evening Cool at Ryogoku - A Set of Three (Ryogoku suzumi sanpukutsui) c. 1752

Editor: Here we have Ishikawa Toyonobu's "Enjoying the Evening Cool at Ryogoku - A Set of Three," a woodblock print from around 1752. The scene depicts people relaxing, and I'm struck by the depiction of everyday life... what do you see in this work? Curator: I see a fascinating record of consumption and leisure in Edo-period Japan. Notice the painstaking labor involved in creating a color print like this. Multiple blocks, meticulously carved and aligned, were needed for each color. Think of the skilled artisans involved, not just Toyonobu himself, but the carvers and printers. Editor: So, it’s less about the individual artistic genius and more about a collaborative production? Curator: Precisely. And consider what they're consuming: the clothing, the lanterns, even the depicted scene of leisure itself. These objects and activities were becoming increasingly available to a wider segment of the population in urban centers like Ryogoku. Editor: That's interesting. Are you saying this print, by showing people enjoying themselves, is also advertising a lifestyle? Curator: To some extent, yes. Ukiyo-e prints played a crucial role in shaping and disseminating popular culture. It reflects a shift toward a merchant-based economy and the rise of a new consuming class that fueled its very production. Look at the patterns in their kimono – commercially produced textiles that speak volumes about access and taste. Editor: I see it now. So, even a seemingly simple scene reveals a complex web of labor and commerce. It makes me think about where the paper and ink came from as well! Curator: Exactly. Reflecting on the resources required emphasizes this artwork’s true richness and allows for a greater appreciation.