Scene from "Rustic Genji" (Inaka Genji) c. 1847 - 1852

Curator: This is Utagawa Kunisada's "Scene from Rustic Genji," a vertical oban print now housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The patterns in the woman's kimono are captivating; I wonder about the process of textile production and dyeing in that era. Curator: It reflects Kunisada's keen understanding of the social dynamics of the Edo period, where fashion and the portrayal of women held considerable cultural weight. Editor: The materiality of the woodblock print itself—the layering of ink, the paper texture—speaks to the craft involved. These prints were commodities. Curator: Absolutely, and they democratized art to an extent, making images accessible to a broader public. Editor: Still, I am drawn to how the materiality and labor intersect with the aesthetic value and social use of this print. Curator: The print's aesthetic, though, served a crucial role in shaping perceptions and reinforcing societal norms of beauty and behavior. Editor: A reminder that even beauty is work. Curator: Indeed, a testament to the complexities embedded within a seemingly simple scene.