The Juvenile Genji (Osana Genji), Vol. 3 1665

Curator: Looking at this open book, what strikes you about this print from *The Juvenile Genji* by Nonoguchi Ryuho? Editor: The immediacy of the woodblock's line work really grabs me. It's printed on quite thin paper, which makes me think about its accessibility and purpose. Curator: Yes, it is fascinating how the Genji is being conveyed here. Observe how the narrative unfolds, layering scenes, almost dreamlike, with a sense of cultural memory attached to this classic tale. Editor: The process, though, it seems aimed at a wider, perhaps less affluent audience. The material suggests it was meant for handling, reading, and perhaps even disposable use. Curator: Perhaps. However, the visual language retains its potency. Even today, this imagery evokes the weight of courtly life and its layered intricacies. Editor: Agreed. And considering the labor that went into the carving and printing, it is not merely disposable but a testament to the bookmaking traditions. Curator: Indeed, both the materiality and the imagery weave together to show how symbols can both transcend and be embedded in their time. Editor: I’m just left considering how we value art based on its materials when the true worth might be in its accessibility and use.