Hollyhocks and Peacocks (Aoi ni kujaku) c. early 1730s

This print, Hollyhocks and Peacocks, was made by Nishimura Shigenobu in 18th century Japan, using woodblock printing. The process begins with a drawing, which is then carefully transferred to a block of wood, usually cherry. The artist then carves away the areas that will not be inked, leaving a raised surface. Ink is applied to this surface, and then a sheet of paper is laid on top and rubbed to transfer the image. The success of woodblock prints depended on the division of labor. An artist would create the design, which then would be cut by woodworkers, before printers took over. Because this was so labor intensive, prints like this one were relatively inexpensive, and accessible to a wide audience. The visual effect is one of crisp lines and flat planes of color, which is very different from the illusionistic depth that was prized in Western painting at the time. This tells us a lot about the cultural values that shaped its making, challenging our assumptions about what art should be, and for whom.