Print 1800 - 1865

Editor: This print, simply titled "Print," was created between 1800 and 1865 by Utagawa Kunisada. It's currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It strikes me as a vivid snapshot, almost cinematic in its composition. What do you see in this work? Curator: I see a confluence of labor and luxury, particularly within the context of ukiyo-e prints. Look closely at the production – the woodblock carving, the layering of pigments. Each element represents a skilled craftsperson, contributing to the creation of what appears to be a fleeting, everyday scene. But, whose everyday is being depicted, and for whom was it being produced? Editor: So, you’re saying the print itself is as important as the scene depicted? Curator: Precisely. The materiality of the print connects us to the entire socio-economic structure of the time. Who was consuming these images and how were they being used or viewed? The elaborate costume of the figure and the detailed goods in the storefront window offer clues. Think about the pigments used – were they locally sourced or imported? The answers reveal trade routes, consumption patterns, and social hierarchies. Editor: That makes me think about the commercial aspect, like how the artist may have relied on woodblock carvers and printers, becoming reliant on a team of skilled laborers. Curator: Exactly. And how the availability of paper impacted its creation and circulation. By exploring the materiality and production of this print, we unveil layers of social context that traditional art historical narratives often overlook. Editor: I’ve definitely gained a deeper appreciation for how the artwork’s creation and materials reflect the social landscape of its time. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! Looking closely at process reveals much about the human condition and lived experience.