Yoshida 1855

Utagawa Hiroshige made this print, Yoshida, using woodblocks, ink and color. The materiality of this work reflects a fascinating interplay between nature, labor and commerce. Consider the woodblocks themselves: carved by skilled artisans, each line meticulously cut to capture the scene. Ink, carefully applied, defines the forms, from the distant mountains to the bustling figures on the bridge. The wood grain imparts a subtle texture, grounding the image in the physical world. The processes that shaped this artwork were closely tied to the world around it. The bridge scene, in particular, evokes the movement of people and goods, the flow of daily life. Woodblock printing was a highly developed craft with teams of specialists producing these works. The mode of production is a reflection of the broader societal values that helped shape this artwork. Paying close attention to materials, making and social context allows us to appreciate the complex and layered nature of this artwork, blurring the lines between art, craft, and the everyday.