Umegawa in Sagami province 

This print, Umegawa in Sagami province, was made by Katsushika Hokusai using woodblock printing, a quintessential example of Japanese Ukiyo-e. The process begins with a drawing, then a craftsman pastes the drawing onto a block of wood, usually cherry. They carve the block so the drawing stands out in relief, then apply ink to the raised surface, and press paper onto the block to transfer the image. Each color requires a separate block. This print is characterized by flat, vibrant colors, applied using specialist brushes. Look closely and you'll see how the texture of the wood is translated into the image. This method was not just a means of artistic expression but a key element of early mass production, connecting art to the worlds of labor, commerce, and consumption. In understanding Hokusai's print, we acknowledge not only the artist's vision, but also the craftsmanship and wider economic context that brought the image into being.