Fruiting Branches -- Illustration from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Calligraphy and Painting (Shizhuzhai shuhua pu) before 1703

Curator: This image is titled "Fruiting Branches," an illustration from the Ten Bamboo Studio Manual of Calligraphy and Painting, created by Hu Zhengyan. Editor: It's simple, yet there's something very elegant about the composition. The off-white fruits, with their blush, stand out. Curator: The Ten Bamboo Studio Manual was a significant contribution to the printing world, and aimed to give scholars access to high quality images. Editor: I'm interested in that access. Mass production wasn't as common, and this put artwork in the hands of everyday people. Curator: Indeed, and this work showcases the woodblock printing process, which was so crucial for disseminating visual culture at the time. Editor: Looking at this now, it's easy to forget how revolutionary it was to democratize art production! Curator: Thinking of its place in history really changes how I appreciate the piece. Editor: Yes, and understanding the materiality and process helps us see the social impact this manual had.