Print 1786 - 1854

Editor: This woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada, simply titled "Print," and dated sometime between 1786 and 1854, strikes me as having a dreamlike, theatrical quality, from the women’s makeup to the cherry blossoms and even the odd coloring. How do you interpret this work? Curator: That theatricality is key, and situates this piece within the ukiyo-e tradition and its engagement with the pleasure quarters of Edo society. Notice how the composition subtly stages the women; what narrative possibilities are suggested by their arrangement and their upward gazes? Editor: I see that, with the different elevations and positions, it creates a focal point despite there being three women. So the theatre reference relates to performers? Curator: Yes, but consider beyond that single element, how these prints were distributed. They weren't simply art for art's sake; they were also a popular, commercial art form. They acted almost as promotional material, celebrating the popular actresses and beauties of the day. In this context, the figures aren’t just characters; they're commodities within a complex cultural landscape. Editor: That makes sense. It gives me something more to think about now. Curator: Precisely. And isn't it fascinating how the artwork engages in the history of commerce? Editor: It is indeed. Thank you for your time, your insights made me see the artwork in a very new light!