The insistent lover, from an untitled series of erotic prints c. 1684 - 1698

Sugimura Jihei made this erotic print, sometime between 1684 and 1700, using woodblock printing. This technique involves carving an image into a block of wood, inking it, and then pressing paper against it to transfer the design. What's interesting here is how the process shapes the aesthetic. The sharp lines, flat planes of color, and intricate patterns are all direct results of the woodblock process. Look closely, and you can see the grain of the wood subtly influencing the texture of the print. Woodblock printing was a laborious task, involving skilled artisans who specialized in carving, inking, and printing. Each color required a separate block, demanding careful registration to align the image correctly. In Japan, the commercialization of printmaking allowed artists to produce images at relatively low cost. This accessibility democratized art, making it available to a wider audience beyond the elite. By considering the materials, making, and context of this print, we gain a richer understanding of its cultural significance, challenging the traditional hierarchy between art and craft.