Great Illustrated Encyclopedia, Revised and Enlarged (Sōbo tōsho kinmō zui taisei), vol. 8 Possibly 1789

Curator: This is a page from the "Great Illustrated Encyclopedia, Revised and Enlarged," or Sōbo tōsho kinmō zui taisei, by Nakamura Tekisai. Editor: The image has an airy quality despite being densely packed with illustrations of flora and various food stuffs. There is a pine tree, and what appears to be grains or seeds of some sort. Curator: These books provided visual guides to all aspects of life. They served an important role in disseminating knowledge during a time of increased literacy and mercantile activity in Japan. Editor: It's interesting how the illustrations are interspersed with text; it makes me wonder about the intended audience and how they would navigate this information. Curator: The encyclopedia reflects the cultural values and practical concerns of its time. Editor: Agreed. It gives insight into a society grappling with new forms of communication. A snapshot of a society on the cusp of change.