103. Senju Great Bridge 1857

This print by Utagawa Hiroshige, titled ‘Senju Great Bridge’, was made using woodblock printing, a process known as *mokuhanga*. The image is made by carving a series of blocks, one for each color, which are then inked and pressed onto paper. What’s so interesting is how the character of the wood itself affects the appearance of the print. Notice the way the grain creates texture, especially in areas of flat color, like the water. The softness of the wood allows for very fine lines and subtle gradations of tone. Woodblock printing was not just a technique, but also a highly organized industry. Many artisans would have been involved in the production of this one print. The publisher, artist, carver, and printer, each playing a crucial role in the final product. It was a very particular kind of labor. Understanding the materials and processes behind this print gives us a deeper appreciation, and challenges our traditional notions of artistic creation.