Nichiren in Exile at Sado 1882

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi created this woodblock print, Nichiren in Exile at Sado, during the late 19th century. The printmaking process begins with a drawing, which is then transferred to a series of wooden blocks, one for each color. Highly skilled artisans carved away the wood, leaving only the lines to be printed, then applied water-based inks and pressed the blocks onto paper. The snowy landscape has a tactile quality, almost like thick impasto. The print depicts the Buddhist monk Nichiren, exiled to Sado Island, diligently working on religious texts amidst a harsh winter. The very act of creating these prints was a form of labor, a collective effort involving artists, carvers, printers, and publishers. This piece is a testament to the deep connection between the creative act, the material, and the social context in which art is produced. It reminds us that art is not just about individual genius, but also about the skilled hands and collaborative processes that bring an image to life.