Overlooking the bay at Shinagawa c. 1790

Utagawa Toyokuni the First made this woodblock print of women at Shinagawa Bay. The medium is key to understanding its purpose, as a popular print. Woodblock printing allowed for efficient reproduction and distribution. Notice the flat planes of color and bold outlines, which are a direct result of the carving and printing processes. The skilled labor of the artist is evident in the precise carving of the woodblocks and in the careful registration of colors. However, the division of labor inherent in woodblock printing – with different artisans responsible for carving, inking, and printing – also reflects the realities of a commercial art industry. These prints catered to a broad audience seeking affordable images of fashionable life and beautiful scenery. Appreciating the materiality and means of production gives us insight into the circulation and consumption of art in Japanese society at the time.