Fifty Nō Plays, Illustrated (Yōkyoku gojÅ«-ban) in 10 Volumes c. 17th century

Editor: This is *Fifty Nō Plays, Illustrated* bound in ten volumes, by Tosa Mitsuoki. I am really drawn to the materiality, with the textile tie and tassels. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The means of production of this object, particularly the textile elements, offer a lens into the social context. What kind of labor went into creating such intricate ties? Is this a mass produced product or an expression of a specific artisan's skill? Editor: That's a great point. I hadn't considered the labor aspect before. Is the value in the plays themselves, or also in the craft? Curator: Exactly! The value lies in the interplay between the artistic content and the physical creation, prompting questions about consumption and the perceived value of art objects.