Rough Sketch of the Lighthouse of Chōshi Harbor in Shimōsa (SōshÅ« Chōshikō tōdai ryakuzu) c. late 19th century

Editor: This is Yosai Kuniteru II's "Rough Sketch of the Lighthouse of Choshi Harbor in Shimosa," a triptych print. It's so detailed. What catches your eye about the production of this work? Curator: I'm intrigued by the social context of printmaking. Who was consuming these images, and how did the printmaking process itself—the labor, the woodblocks, the distribution networks—shape the final product? Editor: So, it’s not just about the lighthouse, but about how the image got to us? Curator: Exactly. Think about the woodblock carvers, the printers, the publishers, and the consumers. How did their roles affect the art we see today? Editor: That’s a good reminder to look beyond the surface. Thanks!