Yashima c. 1900

Editor: This striking woodblock print, "Yashima," from around 1900, presents two figures wading through choppy water. There’s a real dynamism here, with all the horizontal lines, and I am very curious to know more. What story do you see in the materiality and the making of this print? Curator: A key aspect here is understanding the labor inherent in creating a woodblock print like this. Consider the layers involved: the artist’s design, the skilled carver meticulously translating that design onto woodblocks, and finally, the printer layering colors precisely. Think about the division of labor, a pre-industrial factory setting where collaborative craftsmanship prevailed. Editor: That makes me think about how many impressions were made of this image; did it allow for mass consumption of art? Curator: Exactly! Ukiyo-e prints like "Yashima" were indeed made for relatively wide distribution. This democratizing effect challenged traditional hierarchies of art. High art wasn’t confined to the wealthy; prints brought imagery, and stories to a broader audience. Consider the social context – this print could have been a form of news, a popular tale retold, or simply a decorative object. Editor: So, understanding the materials and the production process gives us insights into who the artwork was for, and how it was used? Curator: Precisely! What we might consider “craft” was also how art was available to the public, through repetitive labor, detailed attention to materials and design. It pushes us to reconsider our preconceived ideas. Editor: That really changes how I see this. Instead of just an image, it’s a window into production and accessibility of art. Thanks for shedding light on how these materials reflect labor, value, and consumption! Curator: My pleasure! Always look beyond the image and question how art objects are brought into the world and circulated!