Shimada c. 1840 - 1842

Utagawa Hiroshige created this print, Shimada, using woodblocks and ink. It belongs to a tradition known as Ukiyo-e, or ‘pictures of the floating world’. The labor-intensive process begins with a drawing, which is then transferred to a woodblock, typically cherry. Specialist carvers use a variety of knives and chisels to painstakingly cut away the areas that will not be printed, leaving a raised surface. Separate blocks are required for each color, making this a highly collaborative process between the artist, carver, and printer. The physicality of the woodblock lends the print its distinctive character. The grain of the wood can sometimes be seen in the final print, adding texture to the image. The pressure applied during printing also influences the depth of color and the sharpness of the lines. Woodblock printing was not only a means of artistic expression but also a commercial enterprise, making art accessible to a wider audience. Hiroshige’s prints, with their scenes of everyday life, reflect the changing social and economic landscape of Japan. They remind us that even seemingly simple images are the product of skilled labor, thoughtful design, and a complex interplay of materials and techniques.