Beauties on a Veranda among Cherry Blossoms from which a Samurai is Departing 1790 - 1810

This woodblock print triptych, "Beauties on a Veranda among Cherry Blossoms from which a Samurai is Departing," was made by Utagawa Toyokuni I in Japan. The artwork is composed of three panels of paper, each carefully carved with an array of figures, architecture, and blossoming trees. Woodblock printing is a labor-intensive process, demanding precision and skill. First, the artist creates a design. This is then transferred to a block of wood. The printer carves away the areas that should remain blank, leaving the design in relief. Ink is applied to the block, and paper laid on top. Through careful pressure, the image is transferred. Each color requires a separate block. The flat, graphic quality achieved through this technique gives the artwork a distinctive aesthetic. The delicate lines, the subtle gradations of color, and the intricate details are all testaments to the craft involved. The printmaking process is essential to understanding the social context of the work, and the economics of its production. By considering the materials, making, and social context, we can move beyond aesthetic appreciation and gain a more profound understanding of the artwork's full meaning.