Illustrated Narratives of the War of Han and Chu (Ehon Kanso gundan), vol. 9 

Editor: This is volume nine of "Illustrated Narratives of the War of Han and Chu," by Katsushika Hokusai. The figures are rendered in such detail, but what story is Hokusai telling here? Curator: Hokusai is interpreting a popular historical narrative. Consider how woodblock prints democratized art; suddenly, these epic tales were accessible to a broader audience. What does this imagery tell us about Japan's cultural relationship with China at the time? Editor: That's so interesting! I hadn't considered how the artwork's availability shapes its impact. Curator: Exactly! The politics of imagery are always at play. Hopefully, this helped you think about art as a tool for communicating cultural values.