Picture Book of Seasoned Grass: Waka by Famous Poets (Ehon yachiyo-gusa) in 3 Volumes Possibly 1768

Editor: This is "Picture Book of Seasoned Grass: Waka by Famous Poets" in three volumes, created by Suzuki Harunobu. The covers' pale blue and simple calligraphic labels are quite elegant. What stands out to you about this book? Curator: I'm drawn to the materiality of the book itself. Consider the paper: How was it produced? What labor went into its creation? The text too, invites us to think about printmaking's impact on literacy and the distribution of knowledge at the time. Editor: So, you're thinking about the broader context of production and consumption? Curator: Precisely! By examining these aspects, we can move beyond just aesthetic appreciation and understand the book as a cultural object deeply embedded in its historical moment. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about. Thanks!