Iriyamagatato noboru kitaguchi: Yoshiwara... c. late 19th century

Curator: Utagawa Kuniyoshi's woodblock print, "Iriyamagatato noboru kitaguchi: Yoshiwara..." presents a fascinating scene of Edo-period pleasure quarters. Editor: The colors are striking! That vivid green and complex layering—it gives the impression of luxurious textiles crafted for a particular class. Curator: Indeed. Kuniyoshi was known for his innovative use of color. Considering the role of the Yoshiwara district, we can think about how prints like these circulated, shaping perceptions of pleasure and social status. Editor: I’m also drawn to the production of such a complex print: the carving, the registration of colors, the paper itself—all contributing to its meaning. Curator: Yes, it's a glimpse into the world of Edo-period entertainment and the visual culture that sustained it. Editor: Seeing the materials and the labor behind them really reframes how we view this scene of leisure.