Under the Wave off Kanagawa (Kanagawa oki nami ura), also known as The Great Wave, from the series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji (Fugaku sanjÅ«rokkei) c. 1831

Editor: Hokusai's "The Great Wave," part of his "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji" series, is such a recognizable image. The power of the wave feels immense, almost overwhelming. What's your take on this iconic woodblock print? Curator: Let's consider the materiality. This isn't just an image, but a product of labor. Think about the woodblock carvers, the printers, the distribution networks that brought this image to a wider audience. How did the mass production affect its meaning and reception? Editor: That's a great point. I was so focused on the image itself, I didn't consider the process behind its creation. Curator: Exactly! And consider the materials – the paper, the inks. These were commodities, tied to specific trade routes and economies. By looking at these aspects, we uncover a deeper understanding of the artwork. How does that sit with you? Editor: That's fascinating! I never thought about it that way. I'll definitely be looking at art through a different lens now.