Iwai Hanshirō IV as O-Han of the Shinanoya 1795

This print of Iwai Hanshirō IV as O-Han of the Shinanoya was made by Tōshūsai Sharaku using woodblock printing, a laborious process. Each color you see here required a separate block, carved by hand, inked, and then carefully aligned to build up the complete image. Notice how the lines are sharp and clean, possible only through careful attention to the wood’s grain and the pressure applied during printing. The materiality of the paper, likely handmade from plant fibers, also plays a crucial role, absorbing the ink to create a subtle texture. Woodblock printing had implications for the circulation of images and the commodification of culture. Prints like these democratized art, making it accessible to a wider audience beyond the wealthy elite, and created a visual record of popular actors. By considering the amount of work involved in the production process, from carving to printing, we gain a richer understanding of its cultural significance. Appreciating the making helps us understand the meaning of the image.