Illustrated Story about late-17th-century Nouveaux Riches (Ogon suidaijin sakazuki by Tamenaga Shunsui II, 1823-1886), first of two printed volumes Possibly 1854

Editor: This is the first volume of “Illustrated Story about late-17th-century Nouveaux Riches,” created by Yamada Kunijiro. It's fascinating how much narrative is packed into these small pages! What can you tell me about the social context surrounding this work? Curator: These printed volumes offered a window into the lives of the newly wealthy in Japan. Consider how the artist uses imagery to both critique and perhaps celebrate this emerging class. What details stand out to you about their depiction? Editor: It's interesting to see how social commentary can be embedded in something as accessible as a printed book. Curator: Exactly. The mass production of such images democratized access to social narratives.