Nachtelijke visvangst 1795 - 1800

Kitagawa Utamaro’s ‘Night Catch’ is a woodblock print, a medium that profoundly shaped Japanese art. The process starts with a drawing, meticulously transferred to a wooden block, usually cherry. Specialized artisans then carve away the negative space, leaving the design in relief. The block is inked, and paper is carefully pressed onto its surface, transferring the image. Each color requires a separate block, demanding incredible precision. Utamaro’s work is characterized by its flowing lines and elegant compositions. The flat planes of color, typical of the medium, emphasize the patterns and textures of the scene. Notice the way the wood grain itself seems to mimic the flow of water around the boat. Woodblock printing, though technically demanding, allowed for the mass production of images. Utamaro and other artists sold prints, like this one, to a wide audience. This speaks to a commercial context, a culture of consumption that democratized art in Japan. The beauty of this print lies not just in its aesthetic appeal, but also in its connection to labor, skill, and a thriving visual economy.