De juwelen fontein c. 1826

Totoya Hokkei made this print, titled "De juwelen fontein," using woodblock printing techniques. The process starts with a drawing, which is then carefully transferred onto a wooden block. The areas around the lines are carved away, leaving a raised surface that holds the ink. In this print, we see delicate lines and subtle gradations of color achieved through multiple blocks, each carrying a different hue. Look closely, and you'll notice the flat, graphic quality inherent to this method. This wasn't just art; it was a form of popular media. Woodblock prints like this one were produced in large numbers, thanks to the efficiency of the technique, reflecting the rise of a consumer culture and the availability of art to a broader audience. The labor was intensive, demanding skilled artisans who collaborated in a division of labor, from the initial design to the final print. The resulting image reflects both artistic vision, and the nature of a printmaking production line.