On the Yoshida Highway c. 1685

Curator: "On the Yoshida Highway," dating back to approximately 1685, is a woodcut and ink drawing attributed to Sugimura Jihei, here at the Art Institute of Chicago. Editor: My initial reaction is drawn to the lines, there is such detailed rendering in a limited palette; almost sparse but in no way incomplete. Curator: Yes, and contextually it gives us insight into Edo period society. The figures, likely courtesans and their patrons, occupy a carefully delineated social space. The Yoshiwara, the pleasure district of Edo, was a world unto itself, governed by its own codes and hierarchies. Jihei is not simply showing us a scene, but subtly commenting on the transactional relationships at play, where class, gender and economics were so intertwined. Editor: And look closely at the woodblock technique; see how the precise carving brings such tactility and vibrancy to these seemingly fleeting encounters, giving a feel of looking in on a narrative unfolding in its most intricate textures of kimono fabrics and hair adornments. How interesting that through the printing process it almost memorializes daily lives of these individuals. Curator: Precisely. Furthermore, the inscription on the print itself provides further layers to consider; exploring the subtle forms of communication. This would provide us a lens on female agency, however restrained it might appear within the patriarchal structures of the time. We could see fashion trends as a marker of economic freedom but within the framework of women’s limited positions during that era. Editor: We have here a striking example of how printmaking could elevate craft into fine art while mirroring back onto its audience the very fabric of their social structure. Jihei shows both artistic mastery and a keen observation of his era through process and his manipulation of his materials. Curator: Jihei’s work resonates as more than just aesthetic pleasure; it presents a critical entry point from which to understand intersectional concepts embedded within art and life. Editor: Agreed. Thinking about these characters through printmaking brings such nuance.