MATSSCHIYAMA SEIRAN, from the series FAMOUS PLACES IN EDO; EIGHT VIEWS OF THE SUMIDA RIVER c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Utagawa Hiroshige's woodblock print, "MATSSCHIYAMA SEIRAN, from the series FAMOUS PLACES IN EDO; EIGHT VIEWS OF THE SUMIDA RIVER". The scene feels so tranquil. What stands out to you? Curator: I'm drawn to the process of woodblock printing itself. Consider the labor involved in carving each color layer, the specific inks used, and the paper's texture. The print reveals a carefully constructed image meant for mass consumption, blurring lines between art and commodity. It speaks volumes about Edo's society. Editor: That’s so interesting! Thank you.