An outing at Hagidera, from the series "A Brocade of Eastern Manners (Fuzoku Azuma no nishiki)" c. 1783 - 1784

Curator: Right now, we are looking at "An outing at Hagidera, from the series "A Brocade of Eastern Manners," a woodblock print made around 1783 or 1784 by Torii Kiyonaga. It is currently in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago. Editor: Immediately, it feels like a scene captured mid-conversation. Or maybe a quiet observation. It's poised, gentle. And everyone's wearing something incredible; like a snapshot of everyday elegance. Curator: The ukiyo-e tradition aimed to capture exactly that: glimpses of everyday life and leisure in the Edo period. Kiyonaga was known for his elongated figures, often depicting courtesans and fashionable women, but he broadened the scope, portraying them as integral parts of a broader social scene. Editor: Broad indeed. It is like a narrative snapshot; there’s definitely a story here, though we are not sure exactly what it is. The lines of sight and posture certainly suggest one. This contrasts somewhat strangely with the stillness the artist achieves across the piece, making us feel both as onlookers and a little removed, maybe like reading a script. Curator: Precisely! Ukiyo-e prints, circulated widely, served almost as social commentary, fashion plates, and even travel guides. Examining these scenes tells us so much about societal norms, clothing, and even popular destinations, like Hagidera, known for its flowers. The delicate attention to detail allows scholars and art historians like me to decipher so much about that era. Editor: Yes! Beyond the documentarian purpose that they might have, the grace of their pose seems, itself, a social construction. The poses are, in other words, far from 'natural'; a real artifice goes into appearing effortless, both for the artist as much as his subjects! Curator: Absolutely. There’s a performative aspect at play here. That is also how the gaze worked within Japanese society at the time. And what an achievement to depict a social gaze within something that can itself be socially consumed and enjoyed, like this artwork in our gallery. Editor: Definitely. It's a fascinating snapshot of time, crafted with a light touch and a keen eye. This stroll through Hagidera leaves me wanting to wander through Edo-era society a little bit more myself.