CROW ON TOP OF TORII 

Editor: This is Yashima Gakutei’s woodblock print, "Crow on Top of Torii." The stark black crow against the salmon-colored sun really grabs your attention. What can you tell me about the materials and production of this print? Curator: The key here is understanding Ukiyo-e as a commodity. Woodblock prints like these weren't just art, they were mass-produced objects, reliant on the labor of artists, carvers, and printers to meet consumer demand. Notice how the lines defining the bird and torii are so clearly defined. Consider the process and the social context of its creation. Editor: So it's not just the image, but the entire system that made it possible? Curator: Exactly! It makes you think about art’s role in society. Editor: I didn't realize there was so much to consider beyond the aesthetic appeal!