Letter A c. 15th century

Curator: This is "Letter A," an anonymous print housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It strikes me as something ancient, almost alchemical in its density of design. Curator: Right, and look at the texture—the woodblock printing process creates such a distinct effect of labor and handcraft. It speaks of production in a pre-industrial era. Editor: I'm drawn to the flourishes. That crown-like motif at the base, the stylized floral elements, they suggest a heraldic or symbolic meaning beyond just the letter itself. Curator: Perhaps. Or maybe it’s simply celebrating the skill and care required to produce such a beautiful, utilitarian object? Editor: Perhaps, but to me, it hints at hidden meanings and a rich cultural tapestry woven through a single letter. Curator: It's a glimpse into the materiality of knowledge production. Editor: And I see it as a symbol of enduring artistic expression.