TWO CHILDREN WITH A COCK 

Curator: This is Katsukawa Shunzan's "Two Children with a Cock," a charming print held in the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes you about it? Editor: The line work! It's so delicate and sure. And the paper itself—you can almost feel the fibers. It looks like it's aged beautifully, showing off the texture. Curator: Indeed. Prints like these were part of a thriving popular culture. They served as advertisements, souvenirs, and even social commentary, reaching a broad audience beyond the elite. Editor: It's fascinating how this piece blurs the lines between art and craft. Woodblock printing was a laborious process, a collaboration between artist, carver, and printer. Curator: Absolutely, and the image itself reflects social values. The children, their adornments, the inclusion of the cock—it all speaks to themes of prosperity and hope for the future. Editor: Seeing the process involved really makes you appreciate the skill and labor baked into this seemingly simple work. Curator: It’s a window into a time and a society, made tangible through ink and paper.