A Crab on the Seashore 

This striking print of a crab on the seashore was made by Utagawa Kunisada, a leading designer of ukiyo-e woodblock prints in nineteenth-century Japan. The process begins with a drawing, which is then transferred to a woodblock, usually cherry. Using specialized carving tools, the key lines are incised, creating the first block. Next, a series of blocks are made for each color, requiring careful registration to align perfectly. Finally, the prints are produced through a labor-intensive process, each color applied separately by hand, using a baren to transfer the image to paper. This division of labor—artist, carver, printer—is crucial to understanding ukiyo-e. While Kunisada’s artistry is evident in the lively composition, the print is also a testament to the skill of the artisans who translated his vision into material form. These prints were commercial products, made affordable for a wide audience. Appreciating their beauty means recognizing the collaborative process behind their creation, blurring the line between art and craft, individual and industry.