Yui, from the series Fifty-three Pairings for the Tōkaidō Road (Tōkaidō gojÅ«san tsui) c. 1845 - 1846

Editor: This is "Yui, from the series Fifty-three Pairings for the Tōkaidō Road" by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, made with woodblock print. The intricate lines and patterns are captivating. What can you tell me about the production of these prints? Curator: Kuniyoshi's work highlights the collaborative nature of Ukiyo-e production. Consider the labor involved: the artist's design, the wood carver's skill, and the printer's expertise. This piece transforms a mundane scene into art through the commodification of artistry. Editor: So it's not just about the image, but about the process of making it? Curator: Precisely! The prints were made affordable, consumed by the masses, challenging our assumptions about "high" art. Did this change how you view the piece? Editor: Absolutely. Seeing it as a product of collaborative labor gives me a deeper respect for the craft.