The Actors Ichikawa Ebizō V as the Outlaw Nippon Daemon (right) and Kataoka Gadō as Tokushima Gohei 1849

This woodblock print was made by Gosōtei Hirosada in Japan, depicting actors in character. The process behind this print involved carving separate blocks for each color, then carefully pressing them onto paper. Notice the flat planes of color, and bold outlines defining the figures. The materiality of woodblock printing lends itself to stylized representation, rather than naturalism. The smooth, almost graphic quality results from the controlled application of ink onto the paper surface, a process highly dependent on the skill of the printer, and the preparation of the paper. Woodblock prints like these were part of a thriving commercial culture. They were relatively inexpensive to produce, compared to paintings, so were widely available. This print provided a vital form of advertising for Kabuki theatre, playing a crucial role in shaping popular culture and contributing to its accessibility. The materials, and the making process are integral to understanding the print's social role. The woodblock technique democratized artmaking, enabling wider participation in cultural production.