Poet Mibu no Tadamine (active c.898-920) from page 15A of the printed book of "Thirty-Six Immortal Poets" (SanjÅ«rokkasen), Kōetsu edition c. 1610

Curator: Editor: Here we have Hon'ami Kōetsu's woodblock print of the poet Mibu no Tadamine. It's a fascinating piece. The stark lines and flat perspective give it a very graphic quality. What strikes you about it? Curator: Well, considering this print comes from a book of poetry, I think it's vital to examine the means of its production and circulation. How did the process of printing and distribution affect access to art and literature during the Momoyama period? Editor: That's a great point. It makes me consider how this image and text might have been consumed and understood in its time. Curator: Exactly! And looking at the materials, from the paper to the ink, tells us something about the value placed on artistic and intellectual pursuits. I find the materiality very interesting. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. Thanks for sharing your perspective. Curator: My pleasure. It's always rewarding to consider how material conditions shape our understanding of art.