Double-page Illustration from Vol. 2 of "Picture Book of Spring Brocades (Ehon haru no nishiki)" 1771

This double-page illustration from "Picture Book of Spring Brocades" was created by Suzuki Harunobu in 18th-century Japan using woodblock printing, a process known as *ukiyo-e*. While seemingly simple, ukiyo-e prints are incredibly labor-intensive. Each color requires a separate block, meticulously carved and then printed in precise registration. The subtle gradations of color, known as *bokashi*, demand exceptional skill. This print employs *nishiki-e*, or "brocade pictures"– a technique using multiple colors to achieve a luxurious effect, mimicking the rich textiles of the era. Consider the cultural context: ukiyo-e prints were not considered "high art" but rather a popular, commercial medium. They catered to the burgeoning merchant class, depicting fashionable courtesans and scenes of urban life. The production of these prints involved a collaborative system, with artists, carvers, printers, and publishers all playing essential roles. This division of labor reflects the increasing specialization and commercialization of art in Edo-period Japan. So next time you see a *ukiyo-e* print, remember the complex processes, skilled labor, and vibrant urban culture that brought it into being.