Album of Drawings in Three Ways 1816

This album of drawings was made by Katsushika Hokusai in Japan, using paper and ink. At first glance, the book appears to be a collection of simple line drawings. But look closer, and you'll see how Hokusai pushes the boundaries of this traditional medium. Notice the texture, weight and form of the figures, achieved through a mastery of line. Hokusai engaged with skilled traditions of woodblock printing to create this album. The drawings were first carved into woodblocks, then printed onto paper. The lines retain a crispness and precision, thanks to the nature of the process, which enabled a greater level of detail. Although seemingly simple, the production process involved a division of labor – from the artist who creates the initial sketch, to the carver who translates it into wood, to the printer who transfers the image onto paper. This album encapsulates how modes of production shaped the appearance and significance of the artwork, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.