Sangi Takamura, abalone fisherman 

Editor: So, this woodblock print is called "Sangi Takamura, abalone fisherman." It’s attributed to Hokusai and, well, it looks pretty chaotic. There are figures swimming, boats… a rocky outcrop. It all seems so frantic. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It is chaotic, isn't it? Think about the context – Hokusai was working within the ukiyo-e tradition, which, although appreciated for its artistic merit, often served a commercial purpose, making prints accessible to a wide audience. How do you think the commercial aspect of the woodblock production has affected the choices for imagery and the narrative being depicted? Editor: Hmm… I guess the drama might make it more appealing, more marketable. But, why this specific scene? Curator: Consider the political and social currents of the time. This print and other Ukiyo-e traditions often portrayed everyday life, local legends, and, less overtly, social critiques. How might a scene of labor, even dangerous labor like abalone diving, connect with its contemporary audience in a broader narrative, and how might these depictions contribute to the public understanding of labour conditions, and even the aesthetics of Japonisme that emerged in the West? Editor: That’s a fascinating point. Seeing it now, it's more than just a chaotic scene; it is portraying real lives and labour. But how does the artistic style play into that narrative? Curator: Exactly! The composition, the colours, even the perceived "chaos" – they all contribute to constructing this image and impacting public opinion of Japanese labour. Also note the presence of the text alongside the image – consider its importance when reflecting upon intended audience and interpretation of this piece. Editor: That makes so much sense. I had focused on the chaos of the image. I appreciate the broader historical and social perspective and how its art became part of a wider social discussion. Curator: And I enjoyed your observation of "chaos" – it speaks to an aesthetic, and it brings important insights. The conversation is all part of history!