Crawfish (Ebi), Lotus Root (Renkon) and Zingiber Root (Udo), with poems by Hinoki Butei Tsukuru and Shunman c. early 19th century

Curator: Kubo Shunman created this intriguing composition, "Crawfish, Lotus Root and Zingiber Root," sometime between the late 1700s and early 1800s. The print combines natural specimens with calligraphy. Editor: It’s a beautifully delicate image. There's a slightly surreal feeling about the juxtaposition of these ordinary food items. Curator: Woodblock printing allowed for multiples, influencing not only the dissemination of images but also affecting artistic creation. Prints like these were more accessible than paintings. Editor: Absolutely. Consider who had access to art. Images like these offered a wider range of people insight into the natural world through art. The inclusion of poems reinforces the idea of accessible beauty. Curator: Yes, and the precise carving of the blocks required incredible skill. The layering of colors speaks to the labor involved. Editor: Indeed. The print invites us to think about the intersection of class, foodways, and aesthetic appreciation in the Edo period. It certainly makes me hungry for some fresh seafood and vegetables. Curator: Me too. It’s a testament to the everyday beauty captured through both artistic skill and printing technology.