Courtiers Approaching Stone Steps/ Kyoto (Kyō), from the series Exhaustive Illustrations of the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō (Tōkaidō gojÅ«santsugi ezukushi) Possibly 1810

Curator: This is Hokusai's woodblock print, "Courtiers Approaching Stone Steps/Kyoto," part of his "Exhaustive Illustrations of the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido." Editor: It's a fascinating piece, the flattened perspective and vibrant colors give it a dreamlike quality. Curator: Indeed, this series allowed Hokusai to explore identity, class, and power through the lens of travel and representation. Notice how the courtiers' garments signal their status. Editor: And the labor involved in producing these prints—the carving of the woodblocks, the layering of inks—it speaks to a whole network of skilled artisans. The materiality is just as important as the image itself. Curator: Absolutely. Considering the political landscape of the time, Hokusai's portrayal of these figures could be interpreted as either reverence or subtle commentary. Editor: The print's social context, combined with the physical act of creation, adds layers of meaning, wouldn't you agree? Curator: I do. It’s a small print, but it holds a wealth of social, cultural, and material history. Editor: A tangible link to the past.