Kawarazaki Gojûrô as Matsuwaka Yoheiji 1865

Toyohara Kunichika created this print of Kawarazaki Gojûrô as Matsuwaka Yoheiji with woodblock printing, a quintessential process of the Edo period. The key to understanding prints like this one is to appreciate the labor involved. Woodblock printing was not just about the artist’s initial design. Highly skilled artisans were needed to carve the blocks. The quality of line, the subtlety of color – these depended on their talent. Look closely, and you’ll see the texture of the paper itself. Notice the sharp lines and flat planes of color. These were achieved through precise carving and layering of inks. Think, too, about the social context. Prints like this one weren’t unique artworks for wealthy collectors. They were made to be widely circulated and consumed, a form of mass media in their day. This print provides insight into the collaborative nature of art production, and its relationship to a broader culture of consumption. It challenges the traditional idea of the artist as a solitary genius.