Ushiwaka, the Young Yoshitsune Serenading Jorurihime 1762 - 1782

This print, by Kitao Shigemasa, was made using woodblock printing, a quintessential technique of the Edo period in Japan. The paper itself is key. Made from the inner bark of the Kozo plant, it’s strong and absorbent, ideal for taking the colored inks. Woodblock printing is a labor-intensive process. Each color requires a separate block, carved meticulously by skilled artisans. Look closely, and you’ll see how the registration of these blocks creates subtle textures and depth. The composition is carefully planned, the flat planes of color lending a decorative feel to the narrative scene. This wasn’t just a commercial enterprise. While artists like Shigemasa were certainly part of a market, woodblock prints were also a vital means of circulating imagery and stories, weaving together popular culture and the aesthetic sensibilities of the time. The very act of making these prints, with its blend of artistic vision and collaborative craft, speaks to a rich social history, challenging any simple distinction between art and industry.