Takashima Ohisa, from the series "A Fashionable Set of Three (Furyu sanpuku tsui)" c. 1794

Utagawa Toyokuni I created this woodblock print of Takashima Ohisa as part of "A Fashionable Set of Three" in the late 18th or early 19th century. The printmaking process gives the artwork its distinct character. Each color you see required a separate carved block, meticulously aligned to create the final image. The lines are crisp, and the colors are flat and vibrant. The very nature of woodblock printing—a process that demands precision and patience—imbues the artwork with a sense of refined elegance. Consider the social context. Woodblock prints like this weren't just art objects; they were a form of mass media. They brought images of fashionable women like Ohisa to a broad audience, fueling trends and shaping popular culture. In a way, this print is an early example of consumer culture, where images and representations played a crucial role in shaping desires and aspirations. The printmaking process itself reflects a democratization of art. Multiple artisans were involved, and each print was relatively affordable. This print challenges our traditional notions of art as a unique, precious object, reminding us of the power of images to circulate and influence society.