(Pine and a peony flower) 1860

Tanomura Shosai made this print of pine and peony, sometime before his death in 1909. It is a delicate impression on paper, likely produced through woodblock printing, a process closely tied to both artistic expression and wider circulation of information in Japan. The success of this kind of printmaking resides in the skilled labor of carving the woodblocks – demanding an intense focus from the craftsperson. The ink, too, is critical. Its consistency influences the crispness of lines and the subtlety of color variations, evident in the gradations of the pine needles and the peony. The paper itself, likely handmade, brings its own texture and absorbency to the final effect. While appearing simple, works like this reflect a complex interplay between the artist's vision, the artisan's skill, and the natural materials. It is an object situated between art, craft, and industry.