Clear Weather after Snow in the Precincts of the Kanda Myōjin Shrine (Kanda Myōjin keidai yukibare no zu), from the series Famous Places in the Eastern Capital (Tōto meisho) c. 1840 - 1842

Editor: Here we have Hiroshige's "Clear Weather after Snow in the Precincts of the Kanda Myōjin Shrine" from his "Famous Places in the Eastern Capital" series. I'm struck by how the snow transforms familiar structures. What elements stand out to you? Curator: I see a fascinating depiction of labor and consumption. The woodblock print process itself is crucial. Consider the many hands involved, from the artist's design to the carver’s skill, and the printer who brought it to life. How does this affect our reading of the image? Editor: It emphasizes the commodification of landscape views, right? Making it accessible to a wider audience. Curator: Exactly. It's not just about the shrine, but about the means through which its image is disseminated and consumed by the masses. The materiality of the print is key. What did you make of that? Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't fully considered. Thanks!