Moonlight over the Sumida River in Edo 

Katsushika Hokusai created Moonlight over the Sumida River in Edo using woodblock printing, a process deeply rooted in Japanese craft tradition. The key here is the wood itself. The print begins with a drawing, which is then meticulously carved into a block of wood, usually cherry. The areas that are cut away will appear white in the final print, and the raised areas will hold the ink. Each color requires a separate block, demanding careful registration to align perfectly. The visual effect is one of clarity and precision, but also a subtle texture imparted by the grain of the wood. This labor-intensive process, traditionally involving the collaboration of artists, carvers, printers, and publishers, reflects the deep integration of craft into Japanese society and economy. The prints were relatively inexpensive, making art accessible to a broad audience, challenging the traditional hierarchy between the fine arts and crafts.