Illustrated Book: Scenes of Suruga and Edo (Ehon suruga-mai), 1st of 3 volumes Possibly 1790

Editor: This is "Illustrated Book: Scenes of Suruga and Edo" by Kitagawa Utamaro, created in the late Edo period. It's a delicate woodblock print across two pages. It looks like a bustling scene, but I wonder what's happening? Curator: This book provides valuable insight into the social and cultural life of the Edo period. Notice how the artist captures the diversity of the crowd? What do you think this gathering represents in the context of urban life at the time? Editor: Perhaps it's a public event? It looks almost like a performance or festival. Curator: Exactly. Consider the role of such events in shaping community identity and social hierarchy. The artist uses the book to document public life, but also to subtly comment on the social dynamics of the time. Editor: I hadn't thought about the social commentary aspect. That's fascinating! Curator: Indeed. By depicting these scenes, Utamaro wasn't just creating art; he was engaging with the political and social realities of his era.