(Reflection of Moon) c. 1830s

This print, *Reflection of Moon,* was made by Utagawa Hiroshige in 19th-century Japan, using woodblock printing. The process involves carving a design into a block of wood, applying ink to the raised surface, and then pressing paper against it. This particular print likely involved multiple blocks, one for each color, requiring careful alignment. Look closely, and you’ll see how the woodblock printing technique lends itself to clear outlines and flat areas of color. These characteristics influence the overall aesthetic of the print. The process also speaks to the broader context of commercial printmaking in Japan at the time. Woodblock prints were produced in large numbers, making art more accessible to a wider audience. We can think about printmaking in relation to labor and consumption. Hiroshige’s design would have been executed by skilled block carvers and printers, a division of labor essential to the production of these beautiful, yet relatively inexpensive, images. Appreciating the materials, making, and historical context allows us to see how this artwork challenges traditional notions of fine art and craft.