Buyō Asukayama Shōkei 

Editor: This is Kitagawa Tsukimaro's *Buyō Asukayama Shōkei*. The woodblock print depicts women amidst a landscape. The patterns on their kimonos are so intricate. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: The materiality of this print reveals much. Woodblock printing was a laborious, collaborative process. Consider the paper, the inks, the skilled carving – each element represents human labor and material resources, reflecting the economic and social structures of its time. Editor: So, it's not just about the image, but also about the making of it? Curator: Precisely. The consumption of such prints speaks to the social context and the aspirations of its audience. By examining the materials and production, we move beyond mere aesthetics. How might this change your perception of the artwork? Editor: I’ll definitely pay more attention to the production process going forward! Thank you.