Annual Record of Eastern Capital (Toto saijiki) 1838

Curator: Look closely at Hasegawa Settan's "Annual Record of Eastern Capital," a woodblock print from around the late Edo period. It's a lively scene. Editor: It strikes me as quite orderly, almost serene despite the number of figures. The composition guides your eye through the temple. Curator: Settan's work here exemplifies the meticulous documentation of urban life and seasonal events. We see a clear engagement with social rituals and their material manifestations. Editor: True, but I wonder about the people themselves – what are they thinking, feeling? The print evokes a sense of quiet reverence. Curator: His method involved careful carving, allowing for mass distribution of information and imagery. It democratized art. Editor: Precisely. I see a narrative thread, a subtle interplay between observer and participant, all captured in stark lines. Curator: Understanding the economic and social systems is crucial in interpreting this work. Editor: And seeing the human element – connecting with that past moment – is just as valuable.