The Maker of Court-caps 1802

Curator: Hishikawa Sōri’s 1802 woodblock print, “The Maker of Court-caps,” offers a glimpse into the Edo period, here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: It's delicate, isn't it? Almost weightless, due to the subtle color palette. The figures are placed deliberately, creating a tranquil visual rhythm despite the domestic setting. Curator: Absolutely. Ukiyo-e prints, like this one, gained popularity as they made art accessible to the burgeoning merchant class, depicting scenes of everyday life and popular culture. Here we see, most likely, an artisan presenting his wares. Notice his assistant seated respectfully, head bowed ever so slightly in deferential pose, displaying the titular hat. Editor: What strikes me is the graphic quality of the work. There's an emphasis on the beauty of line – observe how gracefully Sōri outlines the contours of their robes, contrasting textures. Curator: The robes themselves are a fantastic source of social commentary. We can decode their status by cut, by style. That geometric design on the assistant's back signals an established maker—a brand in essence. Editor: And that red lacquer? A bold pop of color. Though used sparingly, it immediately captures your gaze. I think Sōri deliberately contrasted the cap's formality with a hint of vibrant artistry. Curator: Indeed. Consider too how prints themselves, woodblock in particular, function within a burgeoning economy—the commodification of image-making allowing a larger market of distribution. This image has, as well, the character of a commission. See the inscribed texts? It would have circulated among members of a poetry club, I suspect. Editor: So, it’s a blend, then, of artisan craftsmanship and performative artistry. The print celebrates that intersection through deceptively simple techniques. Curator: Exactly. Sōri offers not merely a portrait, but a window into a layered socio-cultural moment. Editor: Well, I appreciate the artist's masterful use of space and composition to guide our perception, don’t you think? Curator: Most definitely.