Poet Kakinomoto Hitomaru (?-c.709) from page 1A of the printed book of "Thirty-Six Immortal Poets" (SanjÅ«rokkasen), Kōetsu edition c. 1610

Curator: Here we see the poet Kakinomoto Hitomaru rendered in print, part of Hon'ami Kōetsu's edition of the "Thirty-Six Immortal Poets." Editor: My initial impression is one of austere elegance. The monochromatic palette and the stylized figure exude a quiet, meditative mood. Curator: Indeed, the linear quality of the print emphasizes the artistry in both the calligraphic text and the depiction of Hitomaru. Consider the paper itself, its texture and visible aging, a vital component. Editor: Yes, and thinking about the materiality, I wonder about the blocks used for printing—the labor involved in their creation and how that process influenced the final image. Curator: The composition invites us to reflect on the interplay between word and image, and perhaps on the poet’s enduring legacy itself. Editor: It's a fascinating glimpse into the labor and materials that go into creating and preserving cultural memory.