One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku hyakkei), Vol. 1 Possibly 1834 - 1835

Editor: This is a page from Hokusai's "One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji," a woodblock print. The monochromatic tones give it a solemn feel. What materials and processes do you think contributed to its creation? Curator: Well, look at the paper, the inks, the tools used to carve the woodblocks. Each choice reflects a specific socio-economic context. This wasn't just about artistic expression; it was about labor, materiality, and the consumption of images in 19th-century Japan. Editor: So, it's less about the mountain itself, and more about how the print was made and circulated? Curator: Exactly! The very act of creating and distributing these prints tells us about the culture of the time. Consider the artisans involved, the market for these images. It all matters. Editor: That's a totally different lens through which to view this artwork. Thanks for pointing it out!