Cock Fight, with a poem by Rakuzantei Ranchō c. 1795 - 1798

Curator: This is Katsushika Hokusai's "Cock Fight, with a poem by Rakuzantei Ranchō," a Japanese woodblock print. It's quite striking. Editor: Yes, the figures seem almost suspended, their elaborate robes a vibrant counterpoint to the stark screens in the background. What can you tell me about the means of production? Curator: Hokusai was a master of ukiyo-e. The nagaban format, wider than it is tall, allowed for this expansive scene. The labor involved in carving the blocks and creating the color layers would have been extensive. The poem, too, adds another layer of meaning, likely commenting on the scene depicted. Editor: Right, how fascinating that social dynamics and entertainment were captured in woodblock prints. It offers us a window into the Edo period. It is not just an image, but a document. Curator: Precisely. And the work’s current location at the Harvard Art Museums means it continues to circulate and influence how we perceive that period. Editor: I agree. Considering its materials and history has certainly shifted my initial perception. Curator: And mine as well, viewing it through a socio-political lens helps me understand its enduring appeal.