The "Tale of Genji" (Genji monogatari) in Ten Volumes (JÅ«jo Genji) Possibly 1661

Editor: Here we have Nonoguchi Ryuho’s "The Tale of Genji" in ten volumes. They appear quite aged and delicate. What can you tell me about the role this artwork played in society? Curator: These printed books signal the rising popularity of the Genji story among a wider audience. Before print, such narratives were largely confined to aristocratic circles. How do you think access to such stories affected the cultural landscape? Editor: Perhaps it democratized knowledge and aesthetics. Curator: Precisely! The mass production and consumption of literary works played a role in shaping cultural identity and even challenging existing social hierarchies. Now, what do you make of the calligraphy? Editor: It looks elegant, but somewhat uniform. Curator: True. Mass production often sacrifices individual artistry. It's fascinating to consider how such artworks both preserved and transformed cultural narratives. Editor: I never thought about how the form itself could shape access and understanding. Curator: Exactly. It shows us the power of art as a social document.