The Poetess Michitsuna no Haha, from the series "The Thirty-six Immortal Women Poets (Nishikizuri onna sanjurokkasen)" Possibly 1615 - 1868

This print of the Poetess Michitsuna no Haha was made by Chōbunsai Eishi in Japan using woodblock printing. This is a technique requiring great skill and patience, demanding a division of labor between the artist, block carver, and printer. Looking closely, you can see the flat planes of color characteristic of woodblock prints. The artist would have drawn the design, then a carver meticulously cut away the wood around the lines. Separate blocks were needed for each color, making it a complex and collaborative process. The pressure applied during printing also gives the image a subtle texture. Woodblock printing wasn't just a means of artistic expression; it was a key technology for mass communication in Japan. Prints like these were relatively affordable, allowing poetry and images of notable figures to circulate widely, shaping cultural values and creating a shared visual language. Understanding the craft behind this print gives us insight into the social context of its creation. It reminds us that art is not just about individual genius, but also about collective labor and cultural exchange.