-No.19- Ejiri- 1847 - 1852

Utagawa Hiroshige created this woodblock print, -No.19- Ejiri-, using a technique called ukiyo-e. It's a multi-step process where a design is carved into a block of wood, inked, and then pressed onto paper. Ukiyo-e prints were not considered high art, but a popular, mass-produced commodity that was integral to the rise of consumer culture in Japan. The process involved a close collaboration between the artist, the block cutter, and the printer, each contributing their skills to the final product. Notice the precise lines, the subtle gradations of color, and the way the image is composed. The success of the print depended on the artistry and technical skill of the artisans. These prints were relatively inexpensive, and were purchased by common people. They reflect the tastes and interests of a broad audience, rather than a small elite. Appreciating the material and making of this print helps us to look past traditional hierarchies of art and craft. It allows us to see the value and artistry in everyday objects, and to understand the social and economic context in which they were made.