Illustrated Collection of Old Tales (Iwaki e-zukushi) Possibly 1683 - 1687

Editor: This is "Illustrated Collection of Old Tales (Iwaki e-zukushi)" by Hishikawa Moronobu. It looks like a small, unassuming book. How should we approach it? Curator: Consider how printed books democratized art. Moronobu was pivotal in popularizing ukiyo-e prints. This book, accessible in its time, brought art to a wider audience, challenging elite art forms. How might its stories have resonated with everyday people? Editor: So, it's not just the art inside, but the book itself as a cultural object? Curator: Exactly. It represents a shift in art consumption, making stories and images part of daily life. Reflect on its influence on visual culture. Editor: I see now; it's a much bigger statement than I initially thought.