Procession of Women Carrying Palanquin c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Utagawa Toyohiro’s ‘Procession of Women Carrying Palanquin’, an undated woodblock print. The scene feels almost dreamlike. What stands out to you about the piece? Curator: What strikes me is the obvious labor inherent in the production of this image and the social context it implies. Look at the precise carving of the woodblocks, the application of color, and the labor-intensive process of printing. Editor: Yes, I see that. Curator: This wasn't just art for art's sake. It was a commodity, produced by skilled artisans for consumption. Who were these artisans, and how were they compensated for their labor? Editor: That's an important point. So, the value isn't just in the aesthetic, but in understanding the means and conditions of its production. Curator: Precisely. It makes us consider the relationship between art, labor, and consumption in a different light. Editor: I hadn't considered that before, I guess I have a new appreciation for the work and what went into it.