Picture of Mitsumata 1797 - 1861

"Picture of Mitsumata" was created by Utagawa Kuniyoshi using woodblock printing, a method integral to the rise of art as mass media in Japan. The process begins with a drawing, then artisans meticulously carve blocks for each color. Look closely, and you can see how the lines define every element, from the rippling water to the billowing smoke. The flat planes of color are typical of woodblock prints. But the texture emerges not only from the woodgrain itself, but also the careful registration of the blocks – how the colors overlap and interact. Woodblock printing demands a division of labor and skilled craftsmanship. The system allowed artists like Kuniyoshi to reach a wide audience, connecting them to everyday life, labor, and even the burgeoning urban landscape visible in the background. By considering the materials and processes involved, we gain insight into the social and cultural significance of this artwork. Woodblock prints collapse traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, offering a lens through which we can appreciate the ingenuity and artistry embedded in popular culture.