Narihira: The Mirror Scene (Narihira kagami no dan), from the series "Famous Scenes from Japanaese Puppet Plays (Yamato irotake)" c. 1705 - 1706

Okumura Masanobu made this woodblock print, Narihira: The Mirror Scene, using a process that was both graphic and sculptural. A design is carefully carved into the surface of a woodblock, leaving a raised image. Ink is then applied, and the image is transferred to paper. The resulting print has a distinctive character. The carved lines have a crisp, clear quality, defining the figures and the surrounding space. Note how the solid black ink creates bold contrasts, emphasizing the textures of the kimonos and the architectural details of the scene. This technique demanded precision and skill from the artist, who had to visualize the final image in reverse, and also, the printing process itself would have involved a division of labor. The series this print belongs to, depicts famous scenes from Japanese puppet plays, highlighting the popular entertainment of the time. Woodblock prints like this one were relatively affordable, so they reflect a burgeoning consumer culture in the 18th century. This artwork embodies a fascinating intersection of art, craft, and popular culture.