Yamato Takeru no Mikoto with Bow c. 1876

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi made this woodblock print of Yamato Takeru no Mikoto with a Bow sometime before his death in 1892. Woodblock prints are produced by carving a design into a block of wood, applying ink to the raised surfaces, and then pressing the block onto paper. In this print, the lines are clean and the colors are flat, achieved by using a separate block for each color. The final print relies on precise alignment and skillful carving, demanding high levels of craftsmanship. This labor-intensive method meant that prints could be produced in multiples, making them accessible to a wider audience. It wasn't just about artistic vision, but also about the skilled labor required to bring that vision to life. The process itself contributes significantly to the artwork's overall aesthetic and cultural value. In appreciating this print, we recognize the blend of artistic expression, technical skill, and social accessibility inherent in the medium of woodblock printing.