The Woman Who Loved Love (Koshoku Ichidai Onna); by Ihara Saikaku (1642-1693), Vol. 2 

Editor: Here we have Yoshida Hanbei's illustrations for Ihara Saikaku's "The Woman Who Loved Love," from the Edo period. The black ink on paper gives the scenes a stark simplicity. What can you tell me about this material context? Curator: The woodblock printing process, common in the Edo period, facilitated mass production and dissemination of these images. This accessibility democratized art, moving away from exclusive patronage. What does the imagery itself suggest about the social context of consumption and production? Editor: It seems to depict intimate, everyday scenes. Were these books readily available to the public? Curator: Yes, and that's significant. These illustrations offered glimpses into different social strata, shaping perceptions and desires. Consider how labor, as seen in the book's production, connects to the commodification of love and pleasure depicted within it. Editor: So, it's about more than just the story; it's about how the story was made and consumed. Curator: Precisely. The materiality of the book itself is part of its message.