Bando Hikosaburō III in the Role of Obi-ya Chōeimon and Iwai Hanshirō IV in the Role of Shinano-ya Ohan 1795

This print by Tōshūsai Sharaku captures two Kabuki actors through the technique of woodblock printing. The key to this process is the wood itself, typically cherry, chosen for its fine grain and ability to hold detail under the carver’s knife. Multiple blocks would have been needed: one for each color, and one for the key outlines. Imagine the artisan carefully transferring the artist's design, then painstakingly carving away the negative space. The printer would then apply ink to the raised surfaces, aligning the paper precisely for each impression. The subtle variations in tone and texture, the layering of color, and the overall registration speaks to the collaborative labor involved. Woodblock prints like this one weren’t considered 'high art' at the time, but rather a commercial product. Yet, looking closely, we can appreciate the extraordinary skill and artistry that went into their making. Appreciating the labour and materials challenges traditional distinctions between art and craft.