Session of the National Diet Possibly 1890

Curator: This woodblock print captures a Session of the National Diet by Yoshu Chikanobu, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a vertical oban, measuring about 37 by 25 centimeters. Editor: The red is striking! The carpet, the drapes... it's a space clearly designed to impress, but the slightly muted color palette keeps it from feeling gaudy. Curator: Absolutely. Chikanobu was adept at depicting Meiji-era Japan's modernization. Here, we see the Diet, a symbol of parliamentary governance, rendered with meticulous detail. Note how the composition reflects the hierarchical structure of power. Editor: And what about the materiality itself? Woodblock printing allowed for the mass production of these images, making them accessible representations of power circulating within society. The labor involved in carving and printing each color layer is significant. Curator: Precisely. The print speaks to the complex interplay between tradition and modernity during that period. It portrays a specific moment in political history, but also reflects the evolving role of art in public life. Editor: I'm left thinking about how such imagery shaped the public's perception of this new political landscape. Curator: Yes, it presents an idealized image of governance, skillfully crafted and widely disseminated. Editor: A fascinating convergence of process, materials, and political messaging.