The Actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV as Subashiri no Kumagoro 1859

This print, depicting the actor Ichikawa Kodanji IV, was made by Utagawa Kunisada, using woodblock printing techniques, a process known as *ukiyo-e*. The woodblock process involves carving an image into a block of wood, applying ink, and then pressing paper onto the block to transfer the image. Each color requires a separate block, a labor-intensive procedure, demanding precision and skill. The lines are crisp, and the colors are vivid, achieved through the layering of translucent inks. The artist employed materials like wood, ink, paper and tools, reflecting both tradition and innovation. The material's texture, the way the ink sits on the paper, and the registration of the blocks all contribute to the artwork's aesthetic qualities. This print is not just an image, but a testament to the work and skill involved in its production, inviting us to consider the relationship between art, labor, and the cultural context in which it was created.