Arrival of the Korean Embassy in Edo c. 1709

This print, depicting the Arrival of the Korean Embassy in Edo, was made by Torii Kiyonobu I, sometime between the late 17th and early 18th century. It's crafted through the Ukiyo-e process of woodblock printing, a technique deeply embedded in the social and economic currents of its time. The materiality of this print – ink on paper – belies the intricate labor involved. Each line, each figure, began as a carved impression on a block of wood. Consider the skilled hands that meticulously translated Kiyonobu's vision, and the number of impressions required to produce each finished work. These prints were not unique treasures, but commodities, produced for a burgeoning consumer culture in Japan. The choice of subject matter, a Korean embassy, speaks to the political and cultural exchanges of the era, but the mode of production highlights the increasing commodification of art. Appreciating this print means recognizing the convergence of artistic skill, commercial enterprise, and cultural exchange. It's a reminder that even the most delicate artwork is deeply intertwined with the realities of labor and production.