Nummer twee: de sneeuwkleding van Koromode uit het Wakanaya c. 1827

This woodblock print was made by Yashima Gakutei in Japan in the early 19th century. The process begins with a drawing, which is then carefully transferred to a wooden block, usually cherry. Using specialized carving tools, the artist or a skilled artisan would then carve away the negative spaces, leaving the design in relief. What's fascinating here is the layering of color. Each color you see required a separate block. The registration – that is, aligning each block perfectly – was a highly skilled job. Look closely, and you can see the subtle variations in tone and texture achieved through the layering of ink. Consider the labor involved in producing this print. From the cultivation of the wood to the final impression, each step required specialized knowledge and manual skill. Prints like these weren't just aesthetic objects; they were also products of a complex system of labor and exchange. By focusing on the materiality and production of this print, we can appreciate its rich cultural and social significance.