Act One (Daijo), from the series The Storehouse of Loyal Retainers (ChÅ«shingura) Possibly 1843 - 1847

Editor: This is Utagawa Hiroshige's woodblock print, "Act One (Daijo), from the series The Storehouse of Loyal Retainers," a horizontal piece with a tranquil atmosphere. What catches my eye is the visible layering and the texture, which I know comes from the printing process itself. How do you interpret the materiality of this work in relation to its subject? Curator: Notice how the woodblock technique isn't just a method of reproduction, but a conscious choice influencing the artwork's reception. The layered inks and visible wood grain are not accidental but intentional, drawing attention to the labor involved in creating these prints and their availability to a wider audience. Editor: So, the material itself democratizes the art? Curator: Precisely. This technique allows for mass production, thus challenging the notion of art as a unique, precious commodity. Editor: That makes me think differently about woodblock prints now. Curator: Indeed, understanding the means of production enriches our appreciation of the artwork.