Lovers Leaving a Room c. 1684 - 1698

Editor: Here we have Sugimura Jihei's "Lovers Leaving a Room," made between 1684 and 1698. It's a woodblock print, showcasing a scene with figures in what seems like an intimate setting. The patterns are quite striking, especially the geometric designs on the floor. What's your take on this piece? Curator: Considering this print through a materialist lens draws my attention immediately to the woodblock itself. The process of carving, inking, and pressing these images makes each print a unique product of labor. It makes me think about the lives of the artisans involved in producing this ukiyo-e, not just Jihei himself, but also the block carvers and printers. The patterns you pointed out, are they simply decorative, or might they hint at specific workshops or stylistic lineages within the printing trade? Editor: That's a really interesting point. I was focusing on the "high art" aspect of the image, but I hadn't considered the material conditions and the workshop practices behind it. So, you're saying the value lies not just in the final image but in the entire production process? Curator: Precisely. The materials – the wood, ink, paper – and the methods used to transform them are key. The seemingly simple black and white contrast results from specific techniques in applying ink, and speaks volumes about the technological capabilities and labor organization within the Japanese print industry at this time. Ukiyo-e weren't just art objects; they were commodities circulating within a specific economic system. Editor: This is giving me a totally different perspective! I guess I always considered woodblock prints as standalone artworks. Now I understand that the choices of materials and the method of their manipulation can illuminate a much broader cultural and economic landscape. Curator: Exactly. Think of this print as not just an image, but also a historical artifact of craft and consumption. Understanding its materiality deepens our appreciation for the human effort involved. Editor: So true. Seeing how much labor and history went into it definitely makes it more profound than just a pretty picture. Thanks for pointing that out!