Summer Evening at Ryōgoku Bridge, from the series... c. 19th century

Editor: So, this woodblock print is called "Summer Evening at Ryogoku Bridge" by Utagawa Hiroshige. I'm struck by the intricate patterns on the women's kimonos and the way the bridge pillars frame the scene. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I notice the textiles. The patterns and the labour involved in their production speak to a complex economy of artistic production and consumption. Were these clothes mass-produced or custom-made? How did the artists who created these patterns impact the social hierarchy? Editor: That's interesting! I hadn't considered the socio-economic aspect of their clothing. Curator: Exactly! By focusing on the materials and their production, we can start to unpack the relationship between art, labour, and social life. Editor: I definitely have a new perspective on the print now! Curator: And I'm glad we could look at art through the lens of the production process.