Exchange Market c. 19th century

This print, *Exchange Market* by Kanzan, employs the traditional Japanese technique of woodblock printing, or *ukiyo-e*. Though seemingly simple, the process is laborious. Each color requires a separate block, carved by hand, registered with absolute precision, and then printed. The final image bears witness to the many hours of skilled work, and also to the social context of its production. *Ukiyo-e* prints were commercial objects, made available at a relatively low price point, so that ordinary people could own them. The materiality of this print invites us to think about the division of labor, with specialized block cutters, printers, and artists, all contributing to the final object. The *ukiyo-e* tradition speaks to the integration of art into everyday life, and is a testament to the power of craft and design to shape society.