Flower Vase with Stand; Dress Hanging on a Clothesrack 18th - 19th century

This woodblock print by Hachifusa Shūri, likely made in the late 1700s, presents a dress hanging next to a flower vase. The artist used multiple blocks to create this image, one for each color, including black, gray, red and brown. Look closely, and you can see the texture of the wood grain. The carving process gives the lines a character all their own, especially in the crisp details of the vase and the hanging garment. This effect contrasts with the flat planes of color that form the background, creating a sense of depth and focus. The printmaking process itself is significant. Each impression required careful labor, and the resulting prints would have been relatively accessible, circulating art among a wider public. It is a great example of how the techniques and materials used can bridge the gap between "high art" and everyday life.