TOKAIDO GOJU-SAN-TSUGI c. 19th century

Editor: This is Utagawa Hiroshige's "TOKAIDO GOJU-SAN-TSUGI." The print really captures a sense of movement in its depiction of these boats on the water. What do you see in this piece, especially considering the materials used? Curator: Well, the woodblock printing process itself is crucial. Each color requires a separate block, demanding skilled craftsmanship and laborious production. It wasn't just about art; it was about a system of labor and distribution that made these images accessible. Editor: So, the materiality democratized art? Curator: Precisely! These prints were produced for mass consumption, unlike, say, unique paintings. This changed the social function of art. Think about how this contrasts with traditional ideas of art and craft, or even labor. Editor: That's a fascinating point; I hadn't considered the accessibility of the medium. Curator: It opens a discussion of the art market and how it operates, even back then.