Okabe, from an untitled series of the Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō Road c. 1804

Editor: This is "Okabe," from Hokusai's "Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō Road." The woodblock print shows an intimate scene. What strikes me is the visible texture of the paper and the deliberate layering of colors. What can you tell me about Hokusai’s process here? Curator: Hokusai’s technique, like all ukiyo-e, relies heavily on the skilled labor of artisans. The woodblocks themselves, the pigments used, and the paper choice—these all reflect a complex system of production and distribution, connecting art directly to economics and social class. Editor: So, it's less about individual genius and more about collaborative work and materials available? Curator: Precisely! The beauty we see is inseparable from the conditions of its creation, reflecting the labor, materials, and the societal structures that enabled its production. Editor: I hadn’t considered the broader context of materials. That changes how I view the piece. Curator: Recognizing that art is the product of material conditions enriches our appreciation, doesn't it?