Man and Prostitute Smoking Pipes c. 1804

Kitagawa Utamaro's "Man and Prostitute Smoking Pipes" was created with woodblock printing, a quintessential technique of the Edo period. The process involves carving a design into a block of wood, applying ink, and pressing paper onto the block to transfer the image. The materiality of the print is defined by the paper, ink, and the wood itself. The flat planes of color and distinct outlines are a direct result of the woodblock technique. Each color requires a separate block, demanding precision and skill in carving and registration. The texture of the paper also influences the final appearance, adding a tactile quality to the image. Utamaro masterfully used the woodblock printing to depict everyday life. His work captures not only the physical appearance of his subjects, but also their social context and the nuances of their relationships. This print invites us to consider the intersections of labor, leisure, and class in the bustling metropolis of Edo, and challenges the rigid categories of fine art and craft.