Schetsen van Hokusai - deel 5 1878

Editor: Here we have “Sketches by Hokusai - part 5,” created by Katsushika Hokusai in 1878. It's a print made with ink and watercolor on paper. At first glance, the cover seems very unassuming. It makes me wonder about the contents hidden within. What’s significant about presenting art in this format, as a bound collection? Curator: It's crucial to consider the social and cultural function of this object. These "Hokusai Manga" weren't 'manga' as we understand the term now; they were collections of sketches intended as drawing aids for artists and craftsmen. They became incredibly popular, contributing to the rise of a visual culture. The book format democratized access to Hokusai's artistry and disseminated his aesthetic principles widely. Consider, for instance, the socio-economic conditions; how did woodblock printing technology influence this accessibility? Editor: That makes a lot of sense. I didn't think about its instructional purpose. So, the impact of this piece really lies in its role as a tool for artistic development and in spreading artistic ideas to the public. Is this an early example of what we might call "mass media?" Curator: Precisely. Furthermore, this hints at the burgeoning commercialization of art in Japan at the time. The mass production and consumption of such books highlight how art became increasingly integrated into everyday life. Editor: This gives me a completely different perspective than what I had coming in. I was only considering it for aesthetic appreciation, and now I see how much it speaks about the history of art education and cultural dissemination! Curator: It underlines that even seemingly simple images have broader socio-political contexts and highlight the public role of art. Editor: Definitely food for thought. Thanks for that shift in perspective!