Rules for the Department of Young Ladies (Shōgaku Joreishiki zukai) c. late 19th century

Curator: This woodblock print is titled "Rules for the Department of Young Ladies," created by Adachi Ginkō. Editor: My first impression is that the composition, divided into two scenes, feels very intentional, almost like a manual's illustrations. Curator: Exactly. It's didactic in nature, portraying ideal comportment for young women, reflecting the social expectations of the time. The print served as a visual guide, a product manufactured to support specific cultural norms. Editor: The crisp lines and flat planes emphasize the materiality, don't they? We see the labor involved in creating multiples of this print, for widespread consumption in the education of young ladies. Curator: And it makes me wonder about the artist's intentions. Was Ginkō simply fulfilling a commercial need, or was he also subtly commenting on the restrictive roles imposed on women? Editor: Perhaps both! It highlights how art, even in its reproductive form, is embedded in material conditions and social power structures. I appreciate you pointing that out. Curator: And I appreciate your insights into the tangible aspects of the print's creation and dissemination.