Rokusozan in Kazusa Province Possibly 1858

Utagawa Hiroshige’s "Rokusozan in Kazusa Province" was made using woodblock printing, a process that demanded meticulous carving and registration of colors. Think of it as a highly refined form of reproduction, allowing for wide distribution. The process begins with a drawing, which is then transferred to a woodblock, usually cherry. A separate block is needed for each color; the carver must be precise as they follow the lines, cutting away the negative space. The blocks are then inked and printed in succession onto paper. Notice how the flat application of color creates both a sense of depth and pattern, all achieved through careful layering. Woodblock printing democratized image-making in Japan, making art accessible to a broad audience. The level of skill involved should not be underestimated; it represents a fascinating intersection of manual labor, artistic vision, and the wider forces of commerce. By understanding the means of production, we can appreciate how this print bridges the world of craft and fine art.