Writing a Letter c. 1775 - 1777

Isoda Koryūsai created "Writing a Letter" with woodblock printing, a technique deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Woodblock printing is an intricate process. First, the artist creates a design. Then, skilled artisans carve separate blocks for each color. Paper is laid upon the woodblocks, and burnished to transfer the image. The flat, graphic style and clear lines, so characteristic of ukiyo-e prints, come directly from this labor-intensive process. Each print is a testament to the collaboration between artist, carver, and printer. Koryūsai's image is part of a larger history of creative practices, intersecting with both fine art and craft. This intimate scene, produced through meticulous handwork, invites us to consider the value we place on different forms of skill and expression. By understanding the making, we appreciate the cultural significance embedded within.