The Actor Ichikawa Raizo I 1761

Torii Kiyomitsu made this woodblock print of the actor Ichikawa Raizo I, sometime in the mid-18th century. The entire image, including the calligraphy, was painstakingly carved in relief on a block of wood. Applying ink to the block, and then pressing paper onto it by hand, creates the print. The production of such prints was a laborious process, involving the division of labor between the artist, the block cutter, and the printer. Notice the flat, vibrant fields of color that emphasize the actor's patterned robes and dramatic pose. These aesthetic qualities are deeply connected to the print's means of production. The carved matrix allows for clean lines and the replication of the image, making it accessible to a wide audience. This piece is part of the Ukiyo-e tradition, meaning "pictures of the floating world." These prints were not considered high art, but rather a popular commercial product, reflecting the tastes and interests of the urban middle class. The emphasis on production and accessibility challenges traditional hierarchies between art and craft, highlighting the cultural significance of everyday images.