Scene from the Third Act of Chushingura between Okaru, Kanbei, and Bannai 1788 - 1808

This woodblock print, made by Eishōsai Chōki, depicts a scene from the third act of Chushingura. The printmaking process begins with a drawing, which is then transferred to a block of wood, usually cherry. A carver uses specialized tools to cut away the wood, leaving the lines of the design in relief. Woodblock printing, or *ukiyo-e*, was a highly collaborative process, involving the artist, block carver, printer, and publisher. The final print is a testament to the skill of the carver, who must translate the artist's vision into a series of precise cuts. It's also a reflection of the printer's expertise, and the complex labor systems involved. The flat planes of color and bold outlines are characteristic of *ukiyo-e* prints, developed and refined over centuries of craftsmanship. The subject of the image is a poignant moment in the play, but we should also recognize the sophisticated craft practices at play here. The collaborative nature of *ukiyo-e* challenges our notions of individual authorship.