Hokusai manga (Hokusai Sketchbooks), vol. 6 Possibly 1814 - 1878

Editor: Here we see a page from Hokusai's Sketchbooks, volume six. The woodblock print shows figures in dynamic action. I'm curious about the mass production of these images. How did the printing process influence their distribution and consumption? Curator: It’s important to consider the collaborative nature of woodblock printing. Hokusai created the designs, but skilled artisans carved the blocks and printed the images. This division of labor allowed for mass production and broader accessibility, which certainly shaped the market for them. What does that say about the concept of art in the 19th century? Editor: That's a fascinating point! The collaborative process challenges the idea of the solitary artist and highlights the economic forces at play. Thanks for sharing! Curator: Indeed, examining the material production reveals the social context in which these images circulated.