Yushima Tenjin, from the series Famous Places of Edo (Edo meisho) c. 19th century

Editor: This print, "Yushima Tenjin, from the series Famous Places of Edo" by Utagawa Hiroshige II, depicts a snow-covered landscape. I'm curious about the texture created by the woodblock printing process. What can you tell me about how this piece reflects the social context of its creation? Curator: Consider the labor involved in producing these prints, from the initial carving of the blocks to the repetitive printing process. How might the commodification of such scenes speak to the rising merchant class and their consumption of imagery in Edo? Editor: That's fascinating! So, it’s not just about the beautiful landscape, but also about the system that allowed it to be reproduced and sold? Curator: Precisely. The materials, the means of production, and who consumed the final product are all interconnected and tell a story about Edo society. What do you think about this? Editor: I never thought about it that way. I'm realizing there's so much more to consider beyond just the visual appeal. Curator: Exactly! Thinking about art through its materials and production opens up a whole new perspective.