from the illustrated book "Kachō gaden" 

Editor: This woodblock print, "from the illustrated book 'Kachō gaden'" by Katsushika Taito II, shows birds in a simple, almost folksy style. The texture of the paper seems important. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, I'm drawn to the means of production here. Look at the layered woodblocks, the labor inherent in carving and printing each color. Consider how this process democratized art for wider consumption. Editor: That's a good point; it does feel more accessible because it's a print. So, it's not just about the image, but the entire process? Curator: Exactly. We can also think about the social context: how did the availability of materials and the demand for prints shape the artist's choices and the final product? Editor: That gives me a lot to consider about the artistry of printing and the cultural value it holds. Thanks! Curator: Of course! It's about seeing the layers, both physical and social.