Triptych: New View of Yatsumi Bridge c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Utagawa Hiroshige’s "Triptych: New View of Yatsumi Bridge". What strikes me is the incredible detail achieved through what I assume are woodblock prints, creating a bustling landscape. What can you tell me about the materials and processes used here? Curator: It's crucial to consider the socio-economic context of ukiyo-e prints. Woodblock printing was a highly collaborative and commercial process. How does the mass production aspect influence our perception of its artistry? Editor: That’s fascinating, I never thought of it that way. It makes me wonder about the role of the artist versus the artisan in Japanese society at that time. Curator: Exactly! It challenges our Western-centric notions of artistic genius and highlights the value placed on skilled labor and efficient production. It is also really interesting to think about who might have consumed this. Editor: I am definitely thinking about this piece differently now.