Hokusai manga (Hokusai Sketchbooks), vol. 8 Possibly 1814 - 1878

Editor: Here we have a page from Hokusai's Manga, volume 8. These ink sketches of people in all sorts of acrobatic poses are fascinating. What can we learn from the material qualities of this sketchbook? Curator: It is interesting to consider the context of production, the labor involved in creating and circulating these woodblock prints. These manga volumes weren't precious objects but commodities. How does that affect our understanding of Hokusai's art? Editor: That's a great point! I hadn't considered the means of production influencing the artwork's reception. Curator: Thinking about the consumption of these images within their society, and how that compares to our contemporary access, can reveal new insights. Editor: This really highlights the link between art and social history. I'm really glad we explored this more deeply.