Shirasuga c. 1832 - 1833

Utagawa Hiroshige's woodblock print, *Shirasuga*, captures a scene along the Tōkaidō road, and it's a real masterclass in the art of Japanese printmaking. Think about the process: each color you see here required a separate block, meticulously carved from wood. The key block would define the outlines, and then additional blocks were used to layer in the colors. Look closely, and you can almost trace the wood grain in the sky. The inks, likely made from natural pigments, add to the print’s subtle beauty. Notice the gradations of tone in the sky, achieved by carefully controlling the amount of ink applied to the block. The production of these prints was a highly skilled craft, involving not just the artist but also block carvers and printers, each contributing their expertise. Prints like this were relatively affordable, allowing a wider audience to appreciate art, and offering a window into the landscapes and culture of Japan. Understanding the labor and skill behind this print deepens our appreciation, reminding us that art is not just about image, but also about process, materiality, and the hands that bring it to life.