A Banquet at the Koshida Palace 1886

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi created this woodblock print, *A Banquet at the Koshida Palace*. Its flat expanses of color and clear outlines were achieved through a meticulous process. Each color required a separate block, carved by skilled artisans, who were working to convey Yoshitoshi's vision. Look closely, and you'll see the subtle gradations of tone, achieved by applying different pressures during the printing process. The image depicts women preparing for a banquet, surrounded by decorative elements such as patterned screens and ornate boxes. Note the careful attention to the fabrics and kimono designs. The production of woodblock prints involved the labor of many hands, from the artist to the carvers and printers. This collaborative process blurred the lines between fine art and craft. These prints were relatively affordable, enabling mass consumption and bringing art to a wider audience. The value of this print lies not only in Yoshitoshi’s design, but also the skilled labor involved in its creation.