Annual Record of Eastern Capital (Tōto saijiki) 1838

Curator: Here we have Hasegawa Settan's "Annual Record of Eastern Capital," a collection reflecting life in Edo, now Tokyo, in 1838. It's fascinating how each volume seems dedicated to a season. Editor: The immediate impression is one of incredible patience. Look at the handmade paper, the visible stitches binding the volumes. Each book is a testament to the labor involved in producing and disseminating knowledge at that time. Curator: Absolutely. And the text itself offers invaluable insights into the social customs, rituals, and seasonal events that shaped Edo society. It serves as a lens through which we can examine the power dynamics and cultural values prevalent during the late Edo period. Editor: Consider too, the materials—paper, ink, thread—and how they connect to larger trade networks and manufacturing processes. The books themselves become commodities, reflecting the increasing commercialization of culture. Curator: Indeed. Through Settan’s detailed observations, we gain access to marginalized voices and perspectives, challenging dominant narratives and offering a more nuanced understanding of history. Editor: For me, it underscores the physical act of creation, the dedication to craft, and how those processes shape our understanding of the text itself. Curator: Seeing this artwork helps me consider how historical narratives are not static, but constructed and contested, offering opportunities for reinterpretation and resistance. Editor: I agree. It’s easy to forget the human effort behind every object. This reminds us of the makers, the readers, and the world that made this book possible.