Nummer drie van de Tokaido 1849 - 1850

This is Nummer drie van de Tokaido, made by Utagawa Hiroshige, using woodblock printmaking. This technique involves carving an image into a block of wood, applying ink to the raised surface, and then pressing paper against it to transfer the design. The process is repeated for each color, requiring careful alignment and registration. The materiality of the woodblock influences the image’s appearance. The sharp lines and flat planes are a direct result of the carving process. The texture of the paper, though subtle, also plays a role, absorbing the ink and creating a slightly soft edge to the printed areas. Woodblock printing in Japan was not just an artistic practice, but also a commercial industry. Prints like these were produced in large numbers and sold to a wide audience, democratizing art and making it accessible to the masses. The labor-intensive nature of the process, with specialists for carving, printing, and publishing, reflects a highly organized system of production. It's a world away from the lone artist in the studio, isn't it?