Ohnomatsu Midorinosuke 

Editor: This intriguing piece is a woodblock print titled "Ohnomatsu Midorinosuke" by Utagawa Kunisada. The way the artist renders the textures of the different fabrics is fascinating! What catches your eye in this work? Curator: The emphasis on material is indeed key. Look at the clear differentiation between the solid black of the outer robe and the patterned textiles beneath. This wasn't simply about depicting a person; it was about showcasing the skills involved in textile production, dye processes, and the artistry embedded in everyday objects. It reflects the craftsmanship prized in Ukiyo-e prints meant for popular consumption. How does this contrast of texture and pattern reflect class differences or social status, perhaps? Editor: That's a really interesting point. It makes me think about the audience too. The level of detail must have been really appealing and accessible. It shows both luxury and the skilled labour required to produce it. Would you say the print’s primary purpose was decorative or functional, maybe as a fashion reference? Curator: Both, I think! Consider how prints like these operated within a specific economy of image production and consumption. They served as records, fashion guides, advertisements and collectibles, revealing the interconnectedness of artistic practice and commercial activity. By reproducing fabrics and garments so faithfully, Kunisada also highlights the sophisticated, but still affordable, artistry readily accessible to a wide public. Do you see ways it challenges the traditional Western idea of 'fine art' as separate from the applied arts? Editor: Absolutely. Seeing the artistry connected so directly to craft and commerce shifts my perspective. This makes me think more deeply about art’s purpose in society back then – how integrated it was! Curator: Exactly. Appreciating the materials, the process and the economic contexts at play opens up a richer understanding.