The Third Sawamura Sojuro as a Man Standing in a Room 1783 - 1803

This print by Katsukawa Shun'ei, portrays the actor Sawamura Sojuro, and was made through a meticulous woodblock printing process. The materiality of this artwork is defined by the woodblocks from which it was printed and the color inks that were layered onto the paper. Woodblock printing is a labor-intensive practice, involving carving an image into wood, applying ink, and pressing it onto paper to transfer the design. Here, the different colors indicate the use of multiple blocks, each carefully aligned to create the final image. The texture of the paper and the subtle variations in ink density add depth and visual interest to the print. In Japan, the division of labor and materials are deeply ingrained in the production of *ukiyo-e* prints like this one. The skills required for carving, printing, and color mixing were highly specialized, reflecting a society where craft traditions were deeply valued. This artwork transcends the traditional boundaries between art and craft, and invites us to appreciate the labor, skill, and cultural context embedded in its creation.