Sea Bream and Sansho Pepper c. 1832 - 1833

This print, *Sea Bream and Sansho Pepper*, was made by Utagawa Hiroshige using woodblock printing, a process known as *ukiyo-e*. The technique involves carving a design into a block of wood, inking it, and then pressing paper onto the block to transfer the image. Each color requires a separate block, demanding precision and skill. The subtle gradations of the fish scales, and the delicate rendering of the sansho pepper leaves, are all testaments to the artistry involved. The *ukiyo-e* tradition was deeply connected to the rise of a merchant class in Japan. Prints like this were relatively affordable, reflecting a shift in patronage from the elite to a broader segment of society. This print would have been made through a collaborative workshop system, in which different artisans produced the original drawing, carved the blocks, and printed the final image. Paying attention to materials and processes can reveal a great deal about the social and economic context in which art is made. By understanding the labour, tools, and techniques involved, we gain a richer appreciation of artworks like this.