Picture of the Prosperity of Shintomiza Possibly 1879

Editor: This is "Picture of the Prosperity of Shintomiza" by Yoshu Chikanobu, a woodblock print. The fashions of the figures are so striking and varied. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: Consider the means of production: woodblocks, carefully carved and printed. The artist is not just depicting prosperity, but participating in its very creation. The print itself becomes a commodity, reflecting and fueling the consumer culture. Editor: So, it's less about the scene and more about the act of making and selling the image? Curator: Precisely. The artist, the printer, the seller, and the consumer are all players in this economic performance. The woodblock print becomes a material symbol of Shintomiza's prosperity. Editor: That really changes how I see the print; it’s not just a picture but a product itself. Curator: Indeed, a product that both reflects and shapes the culture it depicts.