Tamagawa Village (Tamagawa no sato) Print from Key Block, from the series Famous Views of Edo c. 19th century

Editor: This is Utagawa Hiroshige's "Tamagawa Village Print from Key Block," from his series "Famous Views of Edo." It’s interesting to see this preliminary key block. What does it reveal about the series' cultural significance? Curator: This key block offers a fascinating glimpse into the ukiyo-e production process and its intersection with Edo-era society. The "Famous Views of Edo" series aimed to capture the spirit of the city for a broad audience. How does this key block, devoid of color, alter your understanding of that aim? Editor: It makes me wonder about the role of color in shaping public perception and reinforcing cultural values within the series. Curator: Precisely. The addition of color would have undoubtedly enhanced the emotional impact and narrative of the scene, catering to popular taste. Seeing it like this, what assumptions can we challenge about the role of the artist versus the publisher, in the making of these artworks? Editor: That's a great question! It makes you appreciate the artistry and the social context even more.